Phil Mickelson's LIV Golf Contract and Departure From the PGA Tour
Phil Mickelson left the PGA Tour in 2022 after joining LIV Golf, a league backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. He signed a reported multi-year deal with LIV Golf, which offered guaranteed money and team-based events outside the traditional PGA Tour schedule. The move made him one of the most high-profile defectors in golf history and triggered consequences that kept him away from the Masters and other PGA Tour events.
The PGA Tour suspended Mickelson and other players who joined LIV Golf without prior approval. The Tour cited violations of player conduct policies and exclusivity rules tied to PGA Tour membership and sponsor exemptions. LIV Golf is operated by a group funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and its creation changed the competitive landscape for professional golf worldwide.
Masters Tournament Eligibility Rules and Phil Mickelson's Status
The Masters Tournament is an invitation-only event run by Augusta National Golf Club. Players earn spots through past major wins, world ranking, PGA Tour performance, and specific sponsor or club invitations. Because Mickelson was suspended from the PGA Tour and no longer competing in qualifying events, his path to an invitation was effectively closed under the existing criteria.
Augusta National has historically maintained strict control over its field and invitations. The club does not publish detailed criteria for every invite, but its decisions are influenced by Tour status, recent results, and relationships with players and their management. Mickelson's absence from the Masters field reflects these structural eligibility rules rather than a single public statement.
Sponsorship, Legal Issues, and the Impact on Phil Mickelson's Career
Mickelson lost several major sponsors after joining LIV Golf, including companies that had long-term deals tied to PGA Tour affiliation. Brands such as Adidas, Omega, and others ended or paused relationships, citing concerns over the league's structure and its backers. The financial impact of losing these deals influenced Mickelson's overall career strategy and public positioning.
Mickelson has also faced legal scrutiny related to his involvement with LIV Golf and its funding sources. Reports and investigations by outlets including Forbes have covered the financial and regulatory questions surrounding the league and its players. For background on the broader context of these issues, you can read more about the Public Investment Fund's sports investments here and follow coverage of the PGA Tour's response here.