Phil Mickelson Requests Saudi Golf League Release
The six-time Major winner's comeback looks to be on the horizon
Phil Mickelson's return may be on the horizon after an announcement stating that the six-time Major winner has requested a release from the PGA Tour to play in the opening LIV Golf Invitational Series event at the Centurion Club in June and has also registered for both next month's PGA Championship and June's US Open.
The statement, issued from Steve Loy at SPORTFIVE agency, very sternly said that he "has no concrete plans" on when or where he'll play, and that he is currently keeping "all options open."
Today was the final day for requests to play in the opening Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series with the PGA Tour's 45-day policy for requesting releases to play on other tours. A total of 20 PGA Tour players had reportedly requested releases for the event earlier in the day prior to the deadline.
Mickelson has not been seen on tour since the Saudi International in February before a public controversy surrounding comments on the Saudis, his role in the LIV Golf Invitational Series and how he was using it for "leverage" against the PGA Tour.
In a public apology, the American said he was taking time away from the game and subsequently missed The Masters, a tournament he has won three times, for the first time since 1994.
"Our client Phil Mickelson is officially registered to play in the PGA Championship as well as the U.S. Open," the statement read.
"We have also filed a request on his behalf for a release to play in the first LIV Golf Invitational in London, June 9 - 11. This request complies with the deadline of April 25 set forth by the PGA Tour to compete in a conflicting tour event.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
"Phil currently has no concrete plans on when and where he will play. Any actions taken are in no way a reflection of a final decision made, but rather to keep all options open."
Mickelson won last year's PGA Championship at the age of 50, becoming the oldest Major winner in history. He has also famously finished runner-up at the US Open, the only Major he is yet to win, on six occasions.
Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Srixon Z Star XV
-
The Three Most Confusing Rules In Golf And How To Interpret Them
At times, golf’s rules can be complex and confusing. Here we look at three of the most confusing rules in golf and give you the info you need to understand them.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
There's A Growing Divide Between Club Members And Nomadic Golfers When It Comes To Handicapping... And I'm Concerned About It
Some golfers believe competition play should be a pre-requisite to achieving a ‘valid’ handicap, while others feel you should be able to submit a card whenever you want
By Nick Bonfield Published
-
Phil Mickelson Backing 'Incredible' Ryder Cup Partner Keegan Bradley To 'Lead With Passion' As US Team Captain
The 12-time Ryder Cupper said Bradley's love for the biennial team competition is "more than anybody I know" and is backing him to thrive as US team captain
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
How Phil Mickelson Helped Brendan Steele Claim His First Win In Six Years At LIV Golf Adelaide
The 41-year-old American says he continues to improve even at his age thanks to his HyFlyers captain, Phil Mickelson
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
Phil Mickelson's New Caddie Sent Off With Heartfelt 'Thank You' By 10-Year Former Employer
Jon Yarbrough will replace Tim Mickelson as Lefty's looper ahead of the 2024 Masters and LIV Golf Miami
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
A Hole In The Life Of A Very Different Phil Mickelson – Inside The Ropes With Lefty
We follow a very different Phil Mickelson to the one who won The Open 10 years ago today
By Mark Townsend Published
-
Future Open Championship Venues
We take a look at where the Open will be held after this year’s Championship at Royal Troon
By Mark Townsend Last updated
-
'No Poaching' Players Clause Removed From PGA Tour-PIF Deal
A clause in the PGA Tour-PIF deal that prohibited poaching players from either the tour or LIV Golf has been removed after concerns it could break federal employment law
By Paul Higham Published
-
8 Of The Best Players To Never Win The Open
We take a closer look at the best players never to have lifted the old Claret Jug
By Michael Weston Published
-
Scottie Scheffler Says Lack Of Clarity Over PGA Tour/PIF Deal 'A Bit Worrisome'
World No.1 Scheffler has spoken out over his frustrations and concerns about the proposed link up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
By James Nursey Published