PHIL MICKELSON responded to an open letter written by a 9/11 widow and sent to all American golfers who signed up for LIV.

Six-time Major champion was among the stars at the Saudi-backed series, which began in London this week.

Terry Strada, who had lost her husband in the terrible 9/11 attacks, sent a letter to Mickelson, Johnson, and Co.

Mickelson answered questions in advance of this week's US Open in Brookline (Massachusetts).

He looked embarrassed when he was asked for his reactions to the open letter from a US terrorist survivors group, 911familiesunited.org.

"Given Saudi Arabia’s role in the deaths of our loved ones, and those who were injured on 9/11 -- your fellow Americans - we are angry that you are so willing help the Saudis cover this history in order to request'respectability.

"When you partner up with the Saudis, your complicity with their whitewash is what you do. You help them gain the reputational coverage they so desperately desire -- and will pay handsomely for to manufacture.

"The Saudis don't care about deep-rooted golfmanship or its origins as a gentlemen's game based on core values of mutual respect, personal integrity, and other human rights.

They want professional golf to improve their reputation and they pay you to do so.

Saudi Arabia insists that they are not complicit in any allegations of the attacks.

Mickelson stated Monday that he would say to the Strada families, and to all those who have lost loved ones or friends on September 11, that he has deep sympathy for them.

"I cannot stress that enough and I believe I speak for all Americans in this regard."

Mickelson wants to avoid a confrontation against Rory McIlroy. He took another swipe at Greg Norman, LIV paymaster after his Canadian Open win.

McIlroy was the most vocal critic of the LIV money grab and claimed that his 21st PGA Tour win in Toronto had extra significance because he took Norman one clear.

McIlroy is also the PGA Tour’s chief cheerleader. He warns the rebels against becoming too obsessed with money.

But as he prepared for this week's US Open, an uncomfortable-looking Mickelson - who was paid around PS150million to sign up with the Saudi Arabia-back LIV - was in no mood to take Rory on.

Mickelson said: "I certainly respect Rory. I respect his ideas, thoughts, and I thought it was a fantastic finish by him. It was also a great achievement to win again in such a manner.

"What an amazing career. He is someone I admire. I also respect the players who choose to remain on the PGA Tour.

"I consider many of the players on PGA Tour extremely high, and respect their right to make their own decisions.

"I am aware that there are many opinions and emotions about my decision to move forward with LIV Golf. I can understand and respect this.

"I am incredibly grateful to the PGA Tour for all the opportunities it has given me over the years. However, I'm excited about the new opportunity.

"I have been a member of the PGA Tour for over 30 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's given me many opportunities. It's been a great lifestyle for me and my family.

"But I have worked very hard behind the scenes to try and contribute as a means of showing my appreciation, so I've done everything I can to help it."

"I feel that I have earned the right to decide where and when I play, after having worked hard to earn lifetime membership to the Tour. LIV Golf is a great opportunity for me and the game of Golf.

"It is well known that LIV golfers are currently expelled from the PGA Tour. However, I hope to be able to play these events again in the future.