Golf legend Phil Mickelson has shared a heartfelt tribute to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk following his assassination earlier this month. The LIV Golf star was among the many public figures who honored Kirk during his memorial service on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Mickelson kept his message brief but powerful, describing the service as “incredible and inspiring.”
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. His death shocked political and cultural circles across the country, with thousands attending the memorial—including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who addressed mourners at the packed stadium. Security at the service was said to be on par with Super Bowl standards.
While Mickelson had never met Kirk personally, he previously expressed sorrow after the tragedy, calling for unity and respect despite political differences.
“I never met Charlie Kirk but I am gutted by this atrocity,” Mickelson said shortly after the news broke. “Open debate is healthy and essential. Free speech is a constitutional right. Violence for disagreeing with someone is sick, deranged, and creates a greater division that becomes harder to overcome.”
Trump also paid tribute on Truth Social, calling Kirk “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk,” and extending condolences to his widow Erika and family. At a later Pentagon event honoring 9/11 victims, Trump again spoke of the “horror and grief” felt nationwide over Kirk’s assassination.
Despite their ideological differences, Mickelson’s tribute underscored a shared message voiced by many at the memorial: a call for civil discourse and an end to political violence.
