Phil Mickelson has played in the Masters for 28 consecutive years, winning the tournament three times. This year that streak will end, as the golfer has announced he is taking some time off for personal reasons.
The controversy that has plagued Mickelson recently over remarks he made about the PGA tour and a golf league backed by Saudi Arabia may have played a part in his decision to skip the tournament this year.
The Saudi-backed golf league is developing as a competitor to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. The Saudi Arabian backers of the league are hoping to lure golf fans away from those two tours by offering the world’s best players large sums of money.
Alan Shipnuck interviewed Phil Mickelson for his book, Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar. According to the book, Mickelson said he considered being a part of the Saudi Arabian League, but because it would be a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA tour operates.”
In another quote, Mickelson stated that “Saudi money has finally given us (players) that leverage” to change things about the PGA Tour. He also accused the PGA tour of “obnoxious greed.”
Mickelson denounced Saudi Arabia for its human rights abuses and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
Critics were quick to condemn Mickelson’s comments. Along with the backlash from some fellow golfers, Mickelson also lost many of his sponsors.
Mickelson claimed that he thought his statements were “off the record,” but his interviewer has denied that this was the case. Mickelson also said his words were taken out of context and did not want them to be published.
The golfer later stated that his remarks were “reckless” and that he would be taking some time off to “prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.”
Some prominent figures did express support for Mickelson, including fellow golfer Rory McIlroy, who said we should all forgive Mickelson.
Even so, it may be the timing that makes it impossible for Mickelson to make his comeback. Saudi Arabia introduced its LIV Golf Invitational Series in the past week; if Mickelson shows up at the PGA tournament, he could become the center of attention.
Phil Mickelson, 51, will not participate in the Masters, but it is anticipated that he will compete at the PGA Championship in May. He became the oldest Major winner when he won the PGA Championship last year, so it seems likely that he will return to defend his title.
If Phil Mickelson wants to play golf in the PGA Tour again, he will be the one who decides when to make his comeback. The PGA commissioner stated unequivocally that the next move is Mickelson’s to make.
The Masters will get underway on April 7.