While most of the Masters chatter has revolved around Tiger Woods, there will be one notable golf star missing from the tournament at Augusta this week. Phil Mickelson will not be participating in this year's Masters on the heels of his controversial comments regarding the upstart Saudi Super League. Fellow PGA Tour star Bryson DeChambeau revealed that he'd reached out to Phil since the lefty's controversial remarks landed him in hot water, but claims to have not heard back, suggesting the 51-year-old had “gone dark,” per Joel Beall.
Bryson said he's reached out to Phil since the Saudi fallout but hasn't heard anything back. "He's gone dark."
— Joel Beall (@JoelMBeall) April 4, 2022
That's certainly an ominous way to phrase his exchange, or lack thereof, with Mickelson. Lefty has largely avoided the public eye since his contentious remarks, which were not well received. DeChambeau, who is a close friend of Mickelson, claims to have tried to get in contact with his buddy after the incident but received no reply. His remarks came during his media address ahead of the 2022 Masters.
So as Tiger Woods prepares for his return to the #themasters there is still no news on Phil Mickelson.
His friend Bryson DeChambeau said: “I've tried to reach out, but he's gone dark. There's no contact.” #Masters2022— Neil McLeman (@NeilMcLeman) April 4, 2022
Mickelson hasn't featured in a PGA event since February when the controversial remarks were leaked by journalist Alan Shipnuck. The golfer alleged his comments were made off the record, though Shipnuck fiercely opposed that claim. After the damning comments surfaced, Mickelson revealed his plans to take a “much-needed” break from The Tour, including an absence from the Masters. Since announcing his intentions to step back, Mickelson has not appeared publicly, and it seems he's cut off contact with friends, too.
With Mickelson opting out of this year's Masters, it will be the first time since 1994 that the former Augusta champ will not be on the course. Mickelson has featured in each of the previous 28 Masters, winning the green jacket three times throughout his career.