Phil Mickelson has been told not to attend this year’s Masters by Augusta National officials, according to reports. Mickelson has made headlines in recent months following his comments surrounding the controversial Saudi Golf League (SGL).
In February, the 51-year-old announced that he would be taking a break from golf following the saga surrounding the SGL.
This came after he described the Saudi state as ‘scary mother f*****s’ due to their poor human rights record, but added he would look past this in order to ‘gain leverage’ over the PGA Tour.
It was unknown how long his time away from the golf course would be, with many tipping the three-time green jacket winner to potentially return at Augusta next month. This will not be the case though, with Mickelson included on the past winners absentee list which was released this week.
A report from Golfweek has alleged that it wasn’t the 51-year-old’s choice to withdraw but instead the decision of the event officials. His no-show means he will not compete for the famous green jacket for the first time since 1994.
Mickelson’s recent link with the Saudi-backed series and attack on the PGA Tour has left his once glittering reputation in tatters, however it still remains unknown as to whether the six-time major winner has been suspended from the American-based circuit. This comes after the tour’s chief Jay Monahan refused to comment on whether Mickelson had been banned or not at this month’s Players Championship.
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Following the saga Mickelson offered an apology, describing his comments as ‘reckless’. He said: “It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I’m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.”
The American’s alleged Augusta exclusion caps off a nightmare few months for ‘Lefty’ who also saw a number of his leading sponsors end their relationship with him. This included KPMG - who had been linked to for 14 years - and Callaway, who revealed they had ‘paused’ their agreement with the six-time major winner.
In his apology statement the six-time major winner did openly offer the option to his partners to walk away, which many did. He continued: “I have incredible partners, and these relationships mean so much more to me than a contract.
“Many have been my most influential mentors and I consider all to be lifelong friends. The last thing I would ever want to do is compromise them or their business in any way, and I have given all of them the option to pause or end the relationship as I understand it might be necessary given the current circumstances.”
