Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, Phil Mickelson revealed that he believes he will be back at Augusta National next year, with the 52-year-old missing the 2022 event for the first time since 1994.
In the interview with Bob Harig, the six-time Major winner stated: “I believe wholeheartedly I’ll be at Augusta. I thought my conversations with (Masters chairman) Fred Ridley (last spring)—which I will keep between us—were extremely classy.
"I have the utmost respect for him and the leaders of the majors. There’s been, to date, no threat at all. I’m not saying that couldn’t change. I just don’t see how that could benefit anybody. I believe they are wise enough and great leaders who can see that.’’
Things You Didn't Know About Phil Mickelson
Mickelson's name has arguably been the most talked about in 2022. Following controversial comments about the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia, Lefty took a hiatus from the game, returning to competitive action at the first LIV Golf event at Centurion Club.
Not long after, a lawsuit was filed against the PGA Tour by 11 LIV Golf players including Mickelson, with it being revealed that he was suspended by the PGA Tour back in March for "recruiting" players to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour has banned LIV players from their tournaments, with their commissioner, Jay Monahan, stating that LIV golfers are "suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate" in PGA Tour events.
Mickelson is a three-time winner of the Green Jacket, claiming victory in 2004, 2006 and 2010
However, the Major Championships are run by separate organisations and not the PGA Tour. As a result, Mickelson doesn't believe that the governing bodies of the four Majors will move to ban LIV players from competition.
“I really don’t think that’s going to happen. I believe that the leaders of the Majors are really brilliant people who love the game of golf," Mickelson said. "And I believe they understand how not having many of the top players in the world undermines their events and how that would hurt the game of golf.’’
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LIV Golf Pair Hint At Ryder Cup-Style Match Against PGA TourBrooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have hinted that their 'Showdown' match with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler could be just a preview of a Ryder Cup style LIV Golf-PGA Tour clash in the future
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'It Was Really About Us Taking This Into Our Own Hands' - McIlroy On How PGA Tour-LIV Golf Showdown Came To FruitionRory McIlroy says the players organized the PGA Tour-LIV Golf Showdown match themselves to show fans they're trying to bring the sport back together
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Phil Mickelson Backing 'Incredible' Ryder Cup Partner Keegan Bradley To 'Lead With Passion' As US Team CaptainThe 12-time Ryder Cupper said Bradley's love for the biennial team competition is "more than anybody I know" and is backing him to thrive as US team captain
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How Phil Mickelson Helped Brendan Steele Claim His First Win In Six Years At LIV Golf AdelaideThe 41-year-old American says he continues to improve even at his age thanks to his HyFlyers captain, Phil Mickelson
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Phil Mickelson's New Caddie Sent Off With Heartfelt 'Thank You' By 10-Year Former EmployerJon Yarbrough will replace Tim Mickelson as Lefty's looper ahead of the 2024 Masters and LIV Golf Miami
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A Hole In The Life Of A Very Different Phil Mickelson – Inside The Ropes With LeftyWe follow a very different Phil Mickelson to the one who won The Open 10 years ago today
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Future Open Championship VenuesWe take a look at where the Open will be held after this year’s Championship at Royal Troon
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'No Poaching' Players Clause Removed From PGA Tour-PIF DealA clause in the PGA Tour-PIF deal that prohibited poaching players from either the tour or LIV Golf has been removed after concerns it could break federal employment law
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8 Of The Best Players To Never Win The OpenWe take a closer look at the best players never to have lifted the old Claret Jug
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Scottie Scheffler Says Lack Of Clarity Over PGA Tour/PIF Deal 'A Bit Worrisome'World No.1 Scheffler has spoken out over his frustrations and concerns about the proposed link up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
