Phil Mickelson is one of the world’s most famous golfers, but he has recently found himself in some hot water following his comments about the PGA Tour, as well as his disturbing comments regarding human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.
He has caught a ton of flack for these comments, which resulted in Mickelson taking a break from golf while the controversy dies down.
Mickelson and his PR team must have taken this very seriously because he ultimately decided to miss out on the 2022 Masters Tournament, which is the first Masters Mickelson had missed since 1994.
It appears that Mickelson is ramping up to return to the sport of golf. He is currently in the field for next week’s 2022 PGA Championship, but has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will be competing.
Longtime CBS golf broadcaster Jim Nantz has seen the ups and downs in both Mickelson’s golf career and personal life.
He was asked by The New York Post on Wednesday whether or not Nantz believed that Mickelson should compete in the major set to begin next week.
“Totally a personal decision for Phil,” Nantz said. “I’m not going to make any public advisements, but he will be back. Sometimes we get caught in the cyclone of a story and we think it will be forever. It won’t be forever. He’ll be back.”
“Of course, his age is a factor in how much he’ll be able to compete at a high level, but that’s what they said a year ago. He’ll be back. He’ll play. He’s got a ton of fans out there. This is a forgiving nation. There’s a million examples of people who have been somehow able to find their way back to be on top again. I fully expect he will.”
Nantz also added that he had been in contact with Mickelson to give him advice, but didn’t want to disclose exactly what he told the six-time Major Champion.
Mickelson has not competed in a PGA Tour event since the Farmers Insurance Open back in January.
PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh commented on the possibility of Mickelson’s return at the PGA Championship and said that he is looking to avoid the “possible circus” that could surround a return for Mickelson.
If he does decide to return, hopefully the focus will still be kept on the event and not around the controversy that still seems to be following Mickelson.
