According to reports, Augusta officials 'told or strongly encouraged PHIL MICKELSON not to attend this year's Masters'.

51-year-old Green Jacket winner will not be attending the first Major in Georgia this April.

Mickelson declared in February that he would take a long break from golf following backlash against comments he made about the Saudi Golf League.

KPMG and other sponsors dropped Mickelson after he criticized the PGA Tour's 'obnoxious glutt' and endorsed the Saudi League, headed by Greg Norman.

Biographer Alan Shipnuck was told by him that he was open to a deal with'scary mom s from Saudi' in order to gain leverage with PGA, despite concerns about their human rights record.

Mickelson is listed on the Masters website as a "past champion who won't compete".

More Information on the US Sun

PANICKED Escape

Brian Laundrie ran home fearing that his mother would be arrested.

Golfweek reports that Mickelson was not the one who made the decision, but Augusta officials.

The Masters tournament is only open to invitees. Past winners will be sent invitations to play on the greens of Georgia.

They can also refuse entry to anyone they feel is necessary.

"IT WAS RECKLESS, IT OFFENDED PEOPLE"

Mickelson, who has been a consistent fixture of the Masters for 28-years, will be missing the tournament for only the first time since 1994.

Mickelson has been on a self-imposed sabbatical by the PGA Tour. There is no timeline for his return at this time.

Rory McIlroy urged more transparency at the Tour and branded Mickelson's comments "naivety, selfish, egotistical. ignorant."

Mickelson, a five-time Major winner, announced that he would be taking a break on February 22.

He stated that, "Although it might not look like this now due to my recent comments, I have always acted in the best interests of golf, my peers and sponsors, as well as my fans."

"There are two problems with off-record comments. The first is that they may be shared without my consent. But the larger issue is that I used words that I deeply regret and that don't reflect my true feelings.

"It was reckless. I offended people. I'm deeply sorry for my choices of words.

"I am beyond disappointed. I will do my best to reflect and learn."

The Masters starts at Augusta on April 7, with the first round of teeing at 8 AM ET.