Phil Mickelson To Miss Masters , for First Time in 28 Years.br Phil Mickelson To Miss Masters , for First Time in 28 Years.br CNN reports that last month, Mickelson said he'd spend "some time away" from the sport after receiving backlash for his comments about br Saudi Arabia and the country's proposed new tour. .br CNN reports that last month, Mickelson said he'd spend "some time away" from the sport after receiving backlash for his comments about br Saudi Arabia and the country's proposed new tour. .br CNN reports that last month, Mickelson said he'd spend "some time away" from the sport after receiving backlash for his comments about br Saudi Arabia and the country's proposed new tour. .br According to CBS, in his comments, which were taken from Alan Shipnuck's biography about the veteran golfer.br Mickelson referred to Saudis br as "scary mother-------" br and highlighted their br murderous tendencies.br He also asserted that Saudis killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi.br He also asserted that Saudis killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi.br After numerous br companies cut ties br with the 51-year-old, .br After numerous br companies cut ties br with the 51-year-old, .br Mickelson apologized for his "reckless" comments and announced he'd be taking a break from golf to "prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.".br Mickelson apologized for his "reckless" comments and announced he'd be taking a break from golf to "prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.".br CNN reports that on the Masters website this year, the six-time major winner is officially listed as "past champion not playing.".br CNN reports that on the Masters website this year, the six-time major winner is officially listed as "past champion not playing.".br Hideki Matsuyama will defend his title when the Masters begin on April 7.