Phil Mickelson will skip the Masters for the first time in 28 years

The 51-year-old is no longer featured among the active players competing in next month's Masters; on the tournament website, he is listed as a "past champion not playing." The Masters Tournament begins on April 7 at Augusta National Golf Club.

Mickelson is now on a hiatus as a result of the backlash from his statements regarding the PGA Tour and a possible Saudi-backed alternative circuit.

The six-time major champion, 51, has not competed since the Saudi International tournament in February.

Phil Mickelson's message, according to Nick Dougherty and Rich Beem, does not appear sincere and appears to be more of an apology to the Saudis for having to withdraw from the planned league.

Mickelson has played every year at Augusta National since 1994, having made his Masters debut in 1991, and has won the green jacket in 2004, 2006, and 2010.

Mickelson stated at the end of February that he would be taking a break from golf to "work on being the man I want to be."

He also apologised for his "reckless" remarks regarding the  Saudi-backed breakaway league and announced his break from the sport.

Mickelson apologised for the remarks, which he said were made off-the-record. The long-time fan favourite has recently become isolated, as well as incurring a "pause" with a number of sponsors including Callaway Golf.

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