'I Believe Wholeheartedly I’ll Be At Augusta' - Phil Mickelson

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the three-time Masters winner expects to be back at Augusta in 2023

Mickelson catches a golf ball while wearing sunglasses
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, Phil Mickelson revealed that he believes he will be back at Augusta National next year, with the 52-year-old missing the 2022 event for the first time since 1994.

In the interview with Bob Harig, the six-time Major winner stated: “I believe wholeheartedly I’ll be at Augusta. I thought my conversations with (Masters chairman) Fred Ridley (last spring)—which I will keep between us—were extremely classy. 

"I have the utmost respect for him and the leaders of the majors. There’s been, to date, no threat at all. I’m not saying that couldn’t change. I just don’t see how that could benefit anybody. I believe they are wise enough and great leaders who can see that.’’

Things You Didn't Know About Phil Mickelson

Mickelson's name has arguably been the most talked about in 2022. Following controversial comments about the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia, Lefty took a hiatus from the game, returning to competitive action at the first LIV Golf event at Centurion Club.

Not long after, a lawsuit was filed against the PGA Tour by 11 LIV Golf players including Mickelson, with it being revealed that he was suspended by the PGA Tour back in March for "recruiting" players to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf. 

The PGA Tour has banned LIV players from their tournaments, with their commissioner, Jay Monahan, stating that LIV golfers are "suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate" in PGA Tour events.

Mickelson wears the Green Jacket with a microphone in his hand

Mickelson is a three-time winner of the Green Jacket, claiming victory in 2004, 2006 and 2010

(Image credit: Getty Images)

However, the Major Championships are run by separate organisations and not the PGA Tour. As a result, Mickelson doesn't believe that the governing bodies of the four Majors will move to ban LIV players from competition.

“I really don’t think that’s going to happen. I believe that the leaders of the Majors are really brilliant people who love the game of golf," Mickelson said. "And I believe they understand how not having many of the top players in the world undermines their events and how that would hurt the game of golf.’’

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x