Mickelson opted out of Masters, says Augusta National chairman

THREE-TIME champion Phil Mickelson, embroiled in controversy over his comments on a Saudi-backed rival league to the PGA Tour, opted not to play in the 86th Masters, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said Wednesday.

“I would like to say we did not disinvite Phil,” Ridley said in answer to a question at his pre-tournament press conference.

“Phil is a three-time Masters Champion and is invited in that category and many other categories – he’s the defending PGA Champion.”

Mickelson won last year’s PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, becoming the oldest major winner in golf history at age 50.

Mickelson said in February he would take some “desperately” needed time away from golf after a firestorm erupted over his comments to author Alan Shipnuck on the group being spearheaded by Australian Greg Norman. Mickelson called the Saudi financial backers of the proposed league “scary” with a “horrible record on human rights” but said he was willing to deal with them in order to gain leverage to “reshape” the US PGA Tour.

“Phil has been a real fixture here at the Masters for many years. He has been a big part of our history,” Ridley said.

“We certainly wish him the best working through the issues he’s dealing with right now.”

When it came to the subject of a PGA rival league, and possibly banning players who joined it, Ridley said he needed more information but was supportive of the status quo.

“Our mission is always to act in the best interests of the game in whatever form that may take,” Ridley said.

“There’s more participation. Purses on the professional tours are the highest they have ever been. Clubs and courses I think are in healthy financial positions. — AFP