The 2022 Masters are just a day away, with excitement building, mainly around the arrival of star golfer Tiger Woods, who plans to participate. Woods' presence is huge for the sport, as he is easily one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. However, the absence of another one of golf's stars, Phil Mickelson, is notable as well. Mickelson ruffled feathers with his comments about the rival Saudi-backed Super Golf League, prompting the six-time major champion to step away from the sport indefinitely after a lengthy apology. Many speculated about Mickelson's status for the 2022 Masters, though it was announced in late-March that he would not be participating. On Wednesday, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced a shocking decision made by Mickelson on his Masters status, as reported by ESPN.

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said that three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson pulled out of this year's tournament and was eligible to compete if he wanted to.

Ridley said that Mickelson, who has won the Masters three times, pulled out of the tournament, though he was eligible to compete at Augusta.

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Mickelson notified the Augusta National Golf Club chairman of his decision via text, with the club saying they “did not disinvite Phil.”

It's surprising, given the backlash Mickelson faced from sponsors for his comments on the Saudi-backed rival golf league. At the end of the day, the veteran golfer is one of the sport's most recognizable players and one of the great Masters champions of all time.

If he really wanted to play this year, it's highly unlikely that Augusta National would have turned him down.