It was not that long ago when Rory McIlroy did not hold back on his opinion of Phil Mickelson after the American golfer's shocking comment about the Saudi League got leaked. This time around, Rory McIlroy appears to have a much different, more diplomatic approach to the controversy, particularly of his opinion of Lefty.

Rory McIlroy spoke about Mickelson on Wednesday ahead of the 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and he sounded warm and forgiving.

Via Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post:

Related NewsArticle continues below
Golf news: Scottie Scheffler shows discomfort during Charles Schwab Challenge
Scottie Scheffler shows discomfort during Charles Schwab Challenge
Air Jordan 14 Golf US Open, Air Jordan Golf, US Open
Air Jordan, US Open partner for Air Jordan 14 Golf shoes
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark attempts a 3-pointer during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
Golf star calls meeting Caitlin Clark ‘dream come true’

“I think Phil has been a wonderful ambassador for the game of golf, still is a wonderful ambassador for the game of golf,’’ McIlroy said. “It’s unfortunate that a few comments that he thought he was making in confidence or off the record got out there and were — not used against him, but this whole situation is unfortunate.

Mickelson has taken an abundance of criticism ever since his comments were made public. He has even lost sponsorship deals, with companies shielding themselves from further blowback.

Mickelson has not seen any action in the 2021-22 PGA TOUR season since being cut in the Farmers Insurance Open late last January Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy is among those vying for the biggest cut of the $12 million purse this week in the 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.