Phil Mickelson criticises Australia's PM: "Not this dumb to believe what this guy is selling"

Phil Mickelson has criticised Australia's prime minister after the politician said stricter gun laws will be put to the national cabinet after the Bondi Beach attacks in Sydney. 

The mass shooting on Sunday - which targeted members of Australia's Jewish community celebrating the first day of Hannukah - saw 15 people killed and dozens of others injured. 

Surviving suspect Naveed Akram - who was critically injured the incident - has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist attack. 

The 24-year-old's father, Sajid Akram, 50, was also killed in an exchange of fire with police at the scene. 

It was the Australia's deadliest shooting since 1966. Police have designated the attack as a terrorist incident, inspired by Islamic State group ideology. 

Prime minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on 15 December that tougher gun laws will be put to the national cabinet. 

"The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary," he said. "Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws."

Among the proposals, he said, were the limits on the number of firearms individuals can own or use and a review of licence durations. 

Mickelson, 55, offered his prayers and thoughts to the victims on X. 

But the six-time major champion, who described himself as "not a big gun guy", said he was "not even dumb enough to believe what this guy is selling". 

"The two terrorists didn't seem affected by the strict gun laws already in place," Mickelson said. 

"In fact the shooting went on for a long time since there wasn’t anybody else with a gun to stop them. 

"I'm not a big gun guy but even I’m not this dumb to believe what this guy is selling."

Mickelson is no stranger to controversy and frequently chimes in on political issues and social issues. 

In October, he found himself at the centre of a political storm after launching into a heated exchange about immigration enforcement by arguing with New York congressman Dan Goldman. 

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, he teed off on prominent Democrat Ilhan Omar after she said the conservative political activist should be left "in the dust bin of history". 

Mickelson said Ilhan spews hate every time she opens her mouth, adding: "She came here fraudulently and will hopefully be sent back to Somalia soon."

Elsewhere, he frequently posts about economic policies, the cost of living and gas prices. 

Mickelson is currently taking some time out from professional golf ahead of the new LIV Golf season. 

He joined the PIF-backed breakaway in June 2022 for a reported $200m. 

LIV Golf's season kicks off next February in Saudi Arabia. 

Mickelson, the captain of the HyFlyers, is yet to taste victory on the circuit.