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We Are All Phil Mickelson
The outcry over the Saudi golf league reflects our collective self-deception
In his 1999 comedy special, Bigger & Blacker, Chris Rock makes a bold assertion about men and marital fidelity: “A man is basically as faithful as his options.” Unattractive men lack any basis for claiming they would never commit adultery, says Rock, because “nobody’s trying to (f*$&) them.”
I’ve been thinking about this theory over the past few weeks as I’ve read the moralistic commentary about golfer Phil Mickelson’s defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, a new league backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. LIV has reportedly guaranteed the six-time major tournament winner $200 million and offered lower-profile golfers tens of millions to play on their nascent tour. Those who accept the deal will earn a lot more money for playing fewer events — but will also be providing their tacit endorsement to the oppressive regime that has one of the worst human rights records on the planet, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I’ve read a couple dozen pieces on the topic, but none exceeded the sanctimony of this one by Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post. In “Golf has done so very much good — for Phil Mickelson and his pals,” Jenkins tees off on Mickelson’s greed, self-deception, and willingness to engage…
