Phil Mickelson interested in buying stake of San Diego Padres

Golfer Phil Mickelson has expressed interest in purchasing a stake of the San Diego Padres. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Golfer Phil Mickelson has joined with one of the groups attempting to buy controlling interest in the San Diego Padres, reports U-T San Diego's Tim Sullivan.

Mickelson brings needed hometown star power to a group led by four grandchildren of former Dodgers' owner Walter O'Malley.

“I’ve had the opportunity to invest in other sports franchises, and I’ve turned it down in the past,” Mickelson told U-T San Diego on Monday morning. “This was a unique opportunity with families that had done this before and know how to do it right and want to get involved in the community.”

Last week, Padres Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn endorsed a competing group led by Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull. Mickelson's support and willingness to invest “a lot” of his own money help to offset the star power brought by Gwynn.

“If we were able to get control, (Gwynn) would be the first person we’d want to get involved,” Mickelson said. “He’s such an icon with the team. Hopefully, it won’t be combative.”

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