Phil Mickelson mentioned he plans to make "drastic changes" in response to recent federal and California state tax increases, the golfer announced Sunday, and he's getting some sympathy on Twitter.
"It's been an interesting offseason,"
Mickelson said after the final round of the Humana Challenge in Palm Spring, Calif. "And I'm going to have to make some drastic changes. I'm not going to jump the gun and do it right away."
Mickelson said he would elaborate on what that means — moving away from California or possibly retiring from golf — before his hometown Farmers Insurance Open, the San Diego-area event that starts Thursday at Torrey Pines.
In November, California voters approved Proposition 30, the first statewide tax increase since 2004. Mickelson lives in Rancho Santa Fe.
"I happen to be in that zone that has been targeted both federally and by the state and, you know, it doesn't work for me right now," he said. "If you add up all the federal and you look at the disability and the unemployment and the Social Security and the state, my tax rate's 62, 63 percent, so I've got to make some decisions on what I’m going to do."
Mickelson's declaration garnered general support on Twitter.
However, not all agreed with the golfer's perspective.
Mickelson released a statement Tuesday apologizing for publicizing his personal opinions.
"Right now, I'm like many Americans who are trying to understand the new tax laws,"
the statement said. "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 to not let it happen again."
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