Phil Mickelson has said that his recent comments regarding Saudi Arabia and the PGA Tour were "reckless", adding that he will now take time away from the sport.
In recent months, the Saudi Super League has threatened to tempt some of the biggest stars of the sport away from the PGA Tour with the offer of lucrative participation fees and the offer of different formats.
Mickelson, known to be unhappy with current aspects of the PGA Tour, suggested when speaking to writer Alan Shipnuck in November for an upcoming biography that he would ignore human rights issues to "reshape how the PGA Tour operates".
There has been a backlash from players and pundits alike, resulting in the six-time major champion releasing a statement on Tuesday night to apologise for his words on the matter.
The 51-year-old said: "I used words I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions. It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I'm beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.
"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public. My intent was never to hurt anyone and I'm so sorry to the people I have negatively impacted.
"This has always been about supporting the players and the game and I appreciate all the people who have given me the benefit of the doubt."
Over the weekend, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson and Bryson Dechambeau joined the big names to distance themselves from the Saudi Super League.
Darren Plant
