Ball in Mickelson's court over PGA return: Monahan

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said on Tuesday he plans to speak to Phil Mickelson to address his criticism of the tour before the six-time major champion decides to return to playing.

Mickelson said last month he is taking time away from golf after sparking uproar with explosive comments about the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of a proposed rival tour.

The 51-year-old former world number one said he was willing to support the new Saudi-backed venture despite concerns over the kingdom's human rights record, which he described as "horrible".

Mickelson, who said supporting the Saudi-supported tour was an opportunity to force the PGA Tour to reform, later apologised for his remarks, which he said were off-the-record.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Monahan told reporters he had not spoken to Mickelson since the publication of his comments.

But he said he plans to speak to Mickelson before he returns to address his grievances with the PGA Tour.

"I think that as it relates to Phil, you said it; the ball is in his court," Monahan said.

"He has said that he's stepping away and he wants time for reflection. That's something that I and we are going to respect and honour.

"When he's ready to come back to the PGA Tour, we're going to have that conversation. That's a conversation I look forward to.

"I would welcome a phone call from him ... as difficult as it is to read some of the things that were said, ultimately a conversation will be had when he's ready to have it, and I will be ready to have it."

Monahan would not comment when asked to clarify if Mickelson had been suspended or would have been suspended had he not opted to take a break from the sport.

"He stepped away on his own