PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan revealed he has not spoken to Phil Mickelson following his “reckless” comments regarding a proposed breakaway league but insisted that the ‘ball is in his court’ about returning to golf.
Mickelson decided to take a break from the game since apologising for comments last month, where he accused the PGA Tour of being “manipulative and coercive” before ironically going on to admit he was using the threat of a breakaway to “reshape” how the Tour operates, and also revealing he’d recruited three other players to the league and that he and other players paid attorneys to construct the proposed league’s operating agreement.
“He [Mickelson] has said that he’s stepping away and he wants time for reflection – that’s something that I and we are going to respect and honour,” said Monahan. “When he’s ready to come back to the PGA Tour, we’re going to have that conversation. That’s a conversation I look forward to.
“I have not talked to Phil since he made his comments and since he said that he was stepping away. Like I said, I think the ball is in his court. I would welcome a phone call from him. But it’s hard for me to talk about the different scenarios that could play out.
“Listen, he’s a player that’s won 45 times on the PGA Tour. He’s had a Hall of Fame career. He’s won here at The Players Championship. He’s inspired a lot of people and helped grow this Tour, his Tour.
“So as difficult as it is to read some of the things that were said, ultimately a conversation will be had when he’s ready to have it, and I will be ready to have it, as well.”
On whether Mickelson had actually be suspended from the PGA Tour, Monahan added: “He stepped away on his own accord, and he’s asked for time. He’s been given that time. We don’t comment on disciplinary matters, potential matters or actual matters. But every player is accountable for their actions out here.”
