BEDMINSTER, N.J. – Henrik Stenson made a happy return to competition after being removed as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, sinking eight birdies in his LIV Golf Invitational debut Friday at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster for a 7-under-par 64 to share the 18-hole lead with Patrick Reed.
Phil Mickelson’s return to a place where he normally has plenty of support wasn’t entirely happy.
As the six-time major champion teed off, a spectator yelled “Do it for the Saudi royal family!”
Mickelson is immensely popular in the New York area, winning a PGA Championship at nearby Baltusrol and finishing as a runner-up four times at U.S. Opens in New York. He now is seen as the chief recruiter for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf circuit and its CEO, Greg Norman, even after stepping away from competitive golf for four months this year after his disparaging remarks about the Saudis and the PGA Tour came to light.
“I think I’ve always enjoyed playing in this area. We had a great day thereafter,” Mickelson said of the spectator’s words. “I thought it was a good day all around. I didn’t really think much of it.”