Phil: "Finances and taxes are a personal matter and I should not have made my opinions on them public."

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Whatever you think of Phil Mickelson and his comments, you have to give him credit for sensing the reaction and potential deflection of attention from tournament sponsors by issuing a statement late Monday night to the San Diego Union Tribune, apologizing to those he upset.

“I know I have my usual pre-tournament press conference scheduled this week but I feel I need to address the comments I made following the Humana Challenge now,” Mickelson said in the statement.

“I absolutely love what I do. I love and appreciate the game of golf and the people who surround it. I’m as motivated as I’ve ever been to work on my game, to compete and to win championships.

“Right now I’m like many Americans who are trying to understand the new tax laws. I’ve been learning a lot over the last few months and talking with people who are trying to help me make intelligent and informed decisions. I certainly don’t have a definitive plan at this time, but like everyone else I want to make decisions that are best for my future and my family.

“Finances and taxes are a personal matter and I should not have made my opinions on them public. I apologize to those I have upset or insulted and assure you I intend not to let it happen again.”