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Phil Mickelson regrets airing opinion on taxes

SAN DIEGO Phil Mickelson says he should have kept his opinions on taxes to himself.

Mickelson had suggested "drastic changes" were in store for him because of changes in federal and state taxes that he says tap into more than 60 percent of his income. He said it was the reason behind his decision not to be part of the new ownership group of the San Diego Padres.

Mickelson says in a statement that finances and taxes are personal and he should not have publicized his complaints. He's apologizing to anyone insulted by his comments and says he won't let that happen again.

The San Diego native is to hold a news conference Wednesday at Torrey Pines.

Here is Mickelson's statement, via CBSSports.com:

I absolutely love what I do. I love and appreciate the game of golf and the people who surround it. I'm as motivated as I've ever been to work on my game, to compete and win championships...

I'm like many Americans who are trying to understand the new tax laws. 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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