AUGUSTA (Ga.) — After missing the Masters in 2022 for the first time since 1988, Phil MickelsonAugusta National Golf Club is where he will be spending his favorite week.
Mickelson was a three-time Masters champion but didnt play last season. His comments about the PGA Tour, and the history of human rights violations by the Saudi Arabian monarchyAlan Shipnuck published them.
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley stated that Mickelson was invited to the tournament but that he didnt want to play.
Mickelson stated, Its wonderful. Its great to be home. Everyone has been wonderful.
Mickelson was at the forefront of the ongoing battle between LIV Golf League and the PGA Tour for the best players in golf. Mickelson was suspended from the PGA Tour while Mickelson was recruiting players for the new circuit. Greg NormanIt was financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Mickelson was one of the LIV Golf players that filed a federal antitrust suit against the PGA Tour. He later removed himself from the lawsuit.
Mickelson, 52 years old, said that he was warmly welcomed back in Augusta. Last year was the first year he missed the first major of the Season since 1994, when Mickelson was recovering from a broken leg while skiing. He will make his 30th Masters appearance.
Mickelson stated, Everybody is so classy. Gosh, it is fun to be there.
PGA Tour star Rory McIlroyLIV Golf has been the subject of a lot of criticisms. However, he expressed his delight to see Mickelson at the Masters.
McIlroy said, I havent spoken to Phil, however its great seeing him back. You know, Phil is a three-time winner here. He won the Masters in 2009. This is not two years ago. [2021]PGA Championship at 51 years old or whatever it was. Its good that he is back.
Mickelson declined to speak to reporters at a formal news conference, according to reports. After playing a practice game Tuesday with LIV Golf players, Mickelson spoke to the media. Talor Gooch Harold Varner III. Mickelson stated that he will not participate in Wednesdays Masters Par 3 Contest.
Mickelson responded to a question about whether meeting with media was the most difficult part of the week. Ive seen worse over the past two years.
Mickelson stated that he was looking forward Tuesdays Champions Dinner. However, it could cause some uncomfortable moments. Other Masters champions in the past include Tiger Woods Fred CouplesMickelson has been criticised by the PGA Tour by a number of people, including Mickelson. Couples called Mickelson a nutbag .A breakfast was held before a PGA Tour Champions event at Newport Beach, California.
Mickelson stated, Fred and me are longtime buddies, and we have had a lot great experiences in the sport of golf. I think the best of him, and I hope to have more great experiences together.
Mickelson sat down with the reigning Open Championship winner Cameron SmithLIV Golfs other player, LIV Golf, stated that this week is important for the leagues credibility, which is in its second year.
Mickelson said, Hes probably right. It would have been nice to validate the talent that is over at LIV, and I think many guys are doing really well heading in. It will be a lot of fun, I think.
Mickelson, who has lost a lot weight, has struggled a lot over the past two years with LIV Golf. He has not finished higher than 27th in three tournaments so far this year. Last week, he finished 41st of 48 players at the Orlando, Florida tournament. He is now 425th in Official World Golf Ranking.
Mickelson replied, I wouldn’t be here” if he didn’t feel that way when asked if he thought he would win this week. Its also important to be realistic. I haven’t scored the way that I want, but I do see many positive signs. I will try to be patient, regardless of whether its this week, or soon, because things are about click.
Mickelson is happy to be back at the tournament he loves, regardless of what happens.
Mickelson stated, Its my favorite week, so being there and being part of it and being in contention, and being so able to experience it all is so much fun because, as an kid, you dream about being part of this. You dream of winning it, being in contention and then, when you become a professional and are playing here, you feel like, Wow, I want this every year.
Thats whats so cool about winning here is that you are part of the history and part of this event. Its something really, really special.