Jon Rahm has spoken up in support of Phil Mickelson following the American’s recent controversial comments, claiming it shouldn’t damage his Hall of Fame legacy.
From calling the PGA Tour “a dictatorship” to asking for permission to play in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational, Phil Mickelson has found support hard to come by in recent months. In the eyes of many, Mickelson has tarnished his reputation beyond return.
But World No 2 Rahm has offered a rare voice of support for Mickelson, urging many to ease up on the six-time major champion. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rahm said he doesn’t think Mickelson’s behaviour “should or will damage his legacy too much”.
The Spaniard added: “The guy’s given his life to golf. A lot of what we have and what we are competing for right now is because of him.
“A lot of people focus on Tiger, but he is easily one of the top 10 best players of all time. He is a Hall-of-Famer, and we should recognise him as that.
“He has given his life to the public, no one has signed more autographs, no one has done more for the fans.”
Rahm played under Lefty’s brother Tim at his alma mater Arizona State, and the pair have developed a close friendship since Rahm joined the PGA Tour in 2017.
After Rahm won his first major championship at the 2021 US Open, Mickelson was the first player to congratulate him.
But Rahm agrees that much of the necessary repair moving forward still lies with Mickelson.
“Everybody makes mistakes, and everything can be rectified, and I believe that can happen, but it has to come from him as well,” he explained.
“I don’t think his whole career and his whole legacy should change just because of a couple comments.”
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