Phil Mickelson happy to be back at Masters for 'favorite week'

AUGUSTA, Ga. — After missing the Masters for the first time in 28 years in 2022, Phil Mickelson is back at Augusta National Golf Club for what he called his «favorite week.»

Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, didn't play last year after his comments about the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian monarchy's history of human rights abuses were published by author Alan Shipnuck.

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said last year that Mickelson wasn't uninvited to the tournament and that he chose not to play.

«It's great,» Mickelson said. «It's fun to be back. Everyone has been wonderful.»

Mickelson has been at the center of the ongoing battle between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League for the best players in the world. The PGA Tour suspended Mickelson for recruiting players to the new circuit, which is being fronted by Greg Norman and financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Mickelson was among the LIV Golf players who filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour; he later removed himself from the complaint.

Mickelson, 52, said he has been warmly welcomed back to Augusta. Last year was the first time he missed the first major of the season since 1994, when he was recovering from a broken leg he suffered while skiing. It will be his 30th start in the Masters.

«Everybody here is so classy,» Mickelson said. «Gosh, it's fun to be here.»

PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy, who has been among the most vocal critics of LIV Golf, said he was happy to see Mickelson back at the Masters.

«I have not spoken to Phil, but it's great to see him back,» McIlroy said. «You know, he's a three-time champion here. We're not even two years removed from him doing what I believe is one of the greatest feats in the game