The 2022 Masters will feel a little different this time around, as for the first time in more than 20 years, we won’t be seeing Phil Mickelson in the field.
The three-time Masters champion and defending PGA Champion made his decision amid the fallout of his comments surrounding the PGA Tour and the rumored Saudi-backed golf league.
Mickelson himself has only played in a handful of events this season and hasn’t played for a couple of months since Mickelson’s negative comments related to the PGA Tour. Since Mickelson’s apology a month ago, he has remained quiet and has not offered a timetable for his return.
What does missing the Masters mean for Phil Mickelson?
When I was four years old, my dad sat me in front of the TV and had me watch the 2004 Masters tournament. Watching Phil Mickelson leap in the air after holing the winning putt on the 72nd hole was my initiation into the game of golf. Following his breakthrough win in 2004, Mickelson went on to win two more Green Jackets in 2006 and 2010, which further cemented his Masters legacy.
Aside from Tiger, no one has created more ‘Masters Moments’ in the last 20 years than Phil Mickelson. From winning his first major in 2004 to his miraculous shot in the trees on 13 in 2010, Phil has earned a special place in Masters folklore.
With Phil set to miss the Masters for the first time in 28 years, many are beginning to speculate if he will even make another appearance this season.
His reason for skipping the Masters has to do with the comments he made during a February interview with Alan Shipnuck of the Fire Pit Collective. In it, Phil Mickelson expressed his concern for the PGA Tour and had a few choice words for PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan. Mickelson has since apologized for his action, saying that he needs to take some time away from the game.
However, since then, Monahan has been open to talking with Phil about possibly returning to the PGA Tour in the future.
“Listen, he’s a player that won 45 times on the PGA Tour. He’s had a Hall of Fame career. He’s won here at the Players Championship,” Monahan said via Golf Digest.
Monahan would go on to say that he’d be willing to talk with Phil Mickelson when the time is right, and hopefully, they will be able to work something out.
Moving forward, I really hope we get to see Phil again, however, I’m not sure if it will be in 2022. With Phil skipping the Masters, and the Players Championship earlier this month, the next event on his radar is likely the PGA Championship, an event in which he won last year.
If he chooses not to play in another major, I’m not sure if he will play again this year. When he does, I expect the Tour to welcome him back with open arms, even if it does take a little bit extra.
