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McIlroy: Mickelson's comments on Saudi league 'disappointing'

Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Rory McIlroy described Phil Mickelson's recent comments about the Saudi-backed breakaway golf league as "surprising" and "disappointing."

"I don't want to kick someone while he's down, obviously, but I thought they were naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant," McIlroy said Sunday during his post-round press conference.

"I'm sure he's sitting at home sort of rethinking his position and where he goes from here."

Mickelson said in an interview with Alan Shipnuck, whose book on Mickelson comes out in May, that he helped create the Saudi-funded league's operating agreement and is using the league as leverage to change the PGA TOUR. Shipnuck published a story based on the interview on "The Firepit Collective" website.

Following his round Thursday, Justin Thomas called Mickelson's claim an "egotistical statement," according to Golf.com's Zephyr Melton.

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