Phil Mickelson Regrets Airing Opinion On Taxes

"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."

The response to Mickelson's opinions on taxes ranged from mocking a guy who has become a multi-millionaire by playing golf for a living to support for having such a high tax rate and not being afraid to speak his mind. A majority of PGA Tour players live in Florida and others in Texas, two states that have no state income tax.

Tiger Woods grew up in Southern California and moved to Florida when he turned pro in 1996.

"I moved out of here back in '96 for that reason," Woods said.

"I enjoy Florida, but also I understand what he was ⿿ I think ⿿ trying to say," Woods said of the Mickelson comments. "I think he'll probably explain it better and in a little more detail."

Mickelson is still scheduled to have his pre-tournament news conference Wednesday.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry even weighed in with this tweet: "Hey Phil....Texas is home to liberty and low taxes...we would love to have you as well!!"

Players at the Farmers Insurance Open privately questioned what Mickelson had to gain by complaining about his taxes.

Mickelson has earned just under $70 million in PGA Tour earnings for his career, which doesn't include corporate endorsements or his golf course design company, which is thriving in China. Forbes magazine reported Mickelson earned over $40 million in endorsements last year, trailing only Tiger Woods among golfers.

Mickelson was raised in San Diego and, after playing golf at Arizona State, settled in the Phoenix area when he started his career before moving back home, about 20 miles north in Rancho Santa Fe.

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