Phil Mickelson apologises for ‘reckless’ comments over Saudi-backed tour

• American says he needs time away from the sport
• I am deeply sorry for my choice of words'

Phil Mickelson has apologised for his reckless" comments about a proposed Saudi-backed breakaway league and said he will be taking a break from golf.

The six-time major champion has been one of the players most closely associated with the possible rival to the PGA Tour, which is being spearheaded by the former world No 1 Greg Norman. It was revealed last week, when an interview Mickelson conducted with biographer Alan Shipnuck last November was made public, that the American had concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record but was prepared to overlook them in order to put pressure on the PGA Tour.