Phil Mickelson misses the Masters for the first time since 1994

So recently on Sunday, the 51-year-old was still listed as a contestant in the season opener, but along with South African Trevor Immelman, current US PGA Champion Mickelson is now off the field.

Players will only be removed from that section on the event’s official website upon request, with Augusta National confirming that the request was actually made by Mickelson.

It will be the left-hander’s first absence from the tournament since 1994, after making 29 starts, including victories in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

Mickelson has been lying low since he made controversial comments about the new Saudi Super League and PGA Tour.

“Even though it now does not look like my recent comments, my actions through this process have always been in the best interests of golf, my colleagues, sponsors and fans,” he said in a statement exactly one month ago.

“There is a problem of off-record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger problem is that I have used words that I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions.

“It was reckless, I offended people and I’m sorry for my choice of words. I’m completely disappointed and will do anything to reflect on myself and learn from it.”

It is not known if Mickelson was suspended from the PGA Tour because of his comments. Even if he were, this would not apply to the Masters, who invite players based on qualification criteria that include former champions.

And speaking four weeks ago at the Players Championship, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan of Mickelson said. “I think the ball is in his court.”

It remains to be seen whether Mickelson will defend his US PGA title in May, after becoming the oldest major champion in the history of the game last year when he broke a record set by Julius Boros in 1968. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods is still listed as a contestant for The Masters despite the fact that he played no more than a year after a serious car accident.

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