"'Public Enemy' Mickelson to Skip Masters... 'End of 27 Consecutive Appearances'"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Ending 27 consecutive years of Masters participation."

'Oldest major champion' Phil Mickelson (USA, photo) will not participate in the upcoming first major, the Masters, this April. Sports Illustrated reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Mickelson will not compete in this year's Masters." This is unusual considering he won three times in 2004, 2006, and 2010. Masters champions have lifetime invitations. He first appeared at the Masters as an amateur in 1991, turned professional in 1993, and had participated for 27 consecutive years since 1995.

It is interesting that Mickelson has been suffering backlash after endorsing the Super Golf League (SGL), led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). He directly criticized the PGA Tour, saying "The greed of the PGA Tour is disgusting" and "The launch of the SGL will actually provide players with better treatment." However, this caused a backlash among players and officials. Although he apologized for his "inappropriate remarks," he had already become a 'public enemy.'

The PGA Tour threatened to expel any member who joins the SGL, and Mickelson was spotlighted as the 'first target for disciplinary action.' Major sponsors such as KPMG, Workday, and Amstel also withdrew one after another. The PGA Tour's American Express declared, "We will not partner with the Mickelson Foundation next year," and golf equipment company Callaway also added news that they are "not immediately, but considering a temporary suspension." Mickelson is currently undergoing a 'period of self-reflection.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.