Callaway pausing partnership with Mickelson, American Express drops him as host

Callaway Golf is pausing its relationship with Phil Mickelson in the wake of his controversial comments regarding the Saudi-backed golf league, a prospective rival to the PGA TOUR.

Mickelson has played Callaway equipment since 2004. He renewed his partnership with the manufacturer in 2017 for the remainder of his competitive playing career.

"We were very disappointed in his choice of words - they in no way reflect our values or what we stand for as a company," Callaway told Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard.

"Phil has since apologized, and we know he regrets how he handled recent events. We recognize his desire to take some time away from the game and respect that decision. At this time, we have agreed to pause our partnership and will re-evaluate our ongoing relationship at a later date."

Mickelson will no longer serve as host of The American Express, the Desert Sun's Larry Bohannan reported Saturday. He's spearheaded the tournament in La Quinta, California, since 2020 but won't be back in 2023.

The 51-year-old has also been dropped by sponsors KPMG, Workday, and Amstel since his incendiary comments on the Saudi-backed league. Mickelson found himself in hot water after brushing over the ethics behind the breakaway circuit while taking several shots at the TOUR.

"We know they killed (Washington Post reporter Jamal) Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights," Mickelson said. "They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA TOUR operates."

Mickelson has since apologized and announced he'll be taking time away from the sport.

Many of Mickelson's peers spoke out on his outburst - most notably Rory McIlroy, who called Lefty's comments "naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant."