via Getty
AL MUROOJ, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 05: Phil Mickelson of USA looks on after playing from a bunker on the 10th hole during day three of the PIF Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on February 05, 2022 in Al Murooj, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Luke Walker/WME IMG/WME IMG via Getty Images)
via Getty
AL MUROOJ, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 05: Phil Mickelson of USA looks on after playing from a bunker on the 10th hole during day three of the PIF Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on February 05, 2022 in Al Murooj, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Luke Walker/WME IMG/WME IMG via Getty Images)
Augusta National is not responsible for the absence of Phil Mickelson at the 2022 Masters Tournament! The golf world had thought that his comment about the PGA Tour was the reason they did not invite Lefty to play the Masters, and a recent revelation proves the case.
“First, I would like to say we did not dis-invite Phil,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said in a recent press conference. This was the first time he had addressed Mickelson’s absence at the Masters Tournament.
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“Phil is a three-time Masters champion and invited, you know, in that category and many other category,” Chairman Ridley added. “He’s a defending PGA Champion.”
The Chairman of the Masters told the media that the golfer had reached out to him recently and told him his intention to not play at the Augusta this year. “I thanked him for his courtesy in letting me know,” he added.
Read more: How Many Green Jackets Does Tiger Woods Have? A Glimpse Into His Masters History
Mickelson’s name was omitted from the field for the Masters this year. The fans had thought that his comments against the PGA Tour and relationship with the rival Saudi-backed League had made them suspend Mickelson. However, according to the Wednesday press meeting, it is revealed that it was Mickelson who opted not to play at the Augusta this year.
Phil Mickelson will be missing the Masters for the first time in 28 years
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Mickelson has 29 appearances in Augusta. He competed in the Masters Tournament for the first time in 1991 and did not miss the event since 1994.
via Reuters
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 8, 2021 Honorary starter Jack Nicklaus of the U.S. with Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson before the ceremonial start on the first day of play REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Mickelson, who has won the Masters thrice in his career, claimed his last Green Jacket in 2010. He had then defeated the English golfer Lee Westwood with a three-shot lead. Lefty became the eighth player to win at least three Masters titles after his 2010 victory.
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2022 Masters will be the first time in 28 years since Mickelson has never competed at the Augusta National. However, it was his decision not to participate and not that of anyone else. When do you think the six-time major winner will make a comeback?
Watch This Story: Who Won the First-Ever Masters Tournament?
