For the first time in his pro career, Phil Mickelson won’t play in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in the 2020 season.
The European Tour’s Saudi International said in a statement Monday that Mickelson will world No. 1 Brooks Koepka and defending champion Dustin Johnson for the event, scheduled for Jan. 30-Feb. 2.
In the past, marquee players have reportedly been paid more than $1 million to appear the tournament. Last year, Tiger Woods turned down a reported $3.3 million appearance bonus.
Last year, Mickelson missed the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines for the first time in his career. This year’s Farmers is the week before the Saudi tournament. Farmers tournament director Marty Gorsich said Monday he has been in communication with Mickelson’s managers, and though no definitive commitment has been made, Gorsich is “optimistic” Mickelson will play in San Diego.
An Arizona State alum, Mickelson, 49, has three career wins in Phoenix and has made 27 consecutive starts there.
Mickelson said in the statement, “I watched Dustin win the title last year and thought the course looked like an interesting challenge. Having so many talented players on show also made it look like a much more established tournament than one in its inaugural year.
“I have enjoyed my previous visits to the Middle East and am looking forward to playing in a new country and doing my bit to grow the game in the Kingdom.”
