Three-time champion Phil Mickelson, who missed the Masters in 2022 for the primary time in 28 years as a part of a self-imposed hiatus from the game, mentioned on Tuesday he’s thrilled to be again at Augusta National and that his reception has been fantastic.
Mickelson missed the primary two majors of 2022, together with his title defence on the PGA Championship, as he stepped away from competitors amid a backlash over feedback he made in regards to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, the place he resumed his profession final June.
But Mickelson, who has been as a lot part of the Masters as the colourful azaleas at Augusta National, is again in acquainted environment and absorbing each second as he will get set to make his thirtieth begin within the match.
“It is my favourite week, so being here and being a part of it, and being able to experience this great place and what it means is so fun because, as a kid, you grow up dreaming about being a part of this,” mentioned Mickelson.
“You dream of winning it, being in contention, and then when you actually are a pro and you are playing here, you’re like, ‘wow, I want to be a part of this every year.’”
Mickelson’s happy-go-lucky character, outstanding quick sport and go-for-broke nature produced a few of the most memorable moments in Masters historical past and alongside the way in which he has been adored by the match’s patrons.
His public picture took successful in February 2022 when the creator of an unauthorised biography on him launched excerpts from the e book during which the American golfer referred to as the Saudis “scary” however mentioned he was prepared to look previous their human rights data to realize leverage with the PGA Tour.
The 52-year-old Mickelson, who performed 9 observe holes on Tuesday with fellow LIV Golf gamers Dustin Johnson and Harold Varner III, mentioned he was warmly obtained by all those that lined the famed course.
“It’s great. It’s fun to be back. Everyone has been wonderful,” mentioned the six-time main winner. “Everybody here is so classy. Gosh, it’s fun to be here.”
Mickelson is scheduled to tee off in Thursday’s opening spherical at 12:24 p.m. ET (1624 GMT) alongside fellow American Tom Hoge and South Korea’s Kim Si-woo.