Phil Mickelson to miss Masters for first time in 28 years

Phil Mickelson will not compete in the 2022 Masters at Augusta National, the tournament announced on its website Monday.

Mickelson, 51, had previously appeared on the list of participants, but was moved to a section of "past champions not playing." The last time he didn't participate in the Masters was 1994, two years after his professional career began in 1992.

In February, Mickelson apologized for "reckless" comments he made about the Saudi Golf League that appeared in an excerpt of a book about the golfer. 

"I have experienced many successful and rewarding moments that I will always cherish, but I have often failed myself and others too," Mickelson said at the conclusion of a lengthy statement. "The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level. I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be."

Mickelson is a three-time Masters champion and is eighth all-time in PGA Tour wins with 45.

While Mickelson has been ruled out for the tournament, which will begin April 7, five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods is still listed as an invitee.