Given time, Gene Frenette writes, forgiveness will be on Phil Mickelson's doorstep after his public relations blunders surrounding the proposed Saudi Golf League.
The golfer known mostly for his cheery disposition, plus accommodating autograph-seekers more than any name player of his generation, desperately needs a hug right now. Which begs the question: how long before ridicule gives way to forgiveness?
Mickelson has elected to disengage from fans, preferring to stay out of the public eye, but the dustup he created isn’t going away. Monahan tried to defuse the whole Mickelson controversy in the first part of his opening remarks Tuesday, suggesting it was time to move on. However, he didn't pass up the chance to take more than veiled shots at one of the most iconic players in golf history.
"The ball is in his court," said Monahan."He has said that he's stepping away and wants time for reflection. That's something that I and we are going to respect and honor. When he's ready to come back to the PGA Tour, we're going to have that conversation. That's a conversation I look forward to.