Though Not on Top of His Game, Phil Mickelson Happy to Be Back at the Masters
Phil Mickelson declined an offer to visit the Augusta National media center Tuesday, but he still talked to reporters following a practice round in advance of the Masters.
Back at the home of his three Masters victories after a one-year absence during which he took a leave from the game, Mickelson, 52, said “it’s fun to be back. Everyone’s been wonderful.”
“It’s my favorite 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,” he said. “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.
“That’s the coolest thing about having won here is that you’re a part of this event and part of the history. It’s a really, really special thing.”
Mickelson is playing the Masters for the 30th time, having played for the first time as an amateur in 1991 as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. His absence last year was his first since missing the tournament in ’94 due to an injury sustained while skiing.
Since going to LIV Golf last year, Mickelson has struggled, posting just a single top-10 finish in the 11 LIV events he has played. He missed the cut at both the U.S. Open and British Open last year.
Having won the 2021 PGA Championship to become the oldest major champion at age 50, Mickelson is exempt at the U.S. Open through ’25. The Masters and PGA offer lifetime exemptions for having won them, while the Open is through age 60.
Asked whether he could win this week, Mickelson admitted his struggles wouldn’t make it seem so.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel that way,” he said about winning. “I’ve also got to be realistic. I haven’t scored the way I want to. But do see a lot of positive signs. I’m going to try to just be patient, whether it’s this week or soon, because things are about to click.”
Mickelson tried to downplay any tension between LIV Golf players and those on the PGA Tour, as others have done. Fred Couples, who a few weeks ago called Mickelson a “nutbag,“ said Monday he hoped to play with him.
“Fred and I are longtime friends, and we’ve had a lot of great experiences in the game of golf,” he said. “I think the world of him, and I hope we have a chance to have more great experiences with him as well.”
As for LIV golfers needing to prove something this week, reigning British Open champion Cam Smith suggested it would be important for them to have a good week.
“I thought he did a great job in his press conference,” Mickelson said. “I really enjoy being around him. I don’t know if that’s the case or not. I thought he said some really great things, though. He’s probably right. It would be nice to validate the amount of talent that is over there on LIV, and I think a lot of guys are playing really well heading in. So I think it will be fun to watch.”