PHIL MICKELSON declined to answer if he had been banned from golf during his four-month absence.
The six-time Major winner has vowed to participate in the US Open next week.
Mickelson impliedly confirmed that he accepted a staggering PS160m in order to join the Saudi-backed rebel LIV Tour
The 51-year old admitted that he's regretful of'said and done many things'
He implicitly acknowledged that he had accepted a staggering PS160million in order to join the Saudi-backed rebel LIV Tour.
Mickelson isn’t the only golfer to leave the rebel Tour. Other big-hitters like Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau and Rickie Fowler are likely to follow.
It is possible for the trio to be officially announced as part of the Tour.
Mickelson appeared in public for the first-time since describing Saudis as "scary m s" at the Centurion club near St Albans in February. He was then asked if he was banned by the PGA because of his comments.
Mickelson, 51: "I have chosen to not speak publicly about PGA tour matters at this time."
"If I had to confirm, deny or speak at all, it would be public speaking on matters pertaining to the PGA tour, which I have chosen to not do.
"I enjoyed my time on PGA Tour, it was an amazing experience and I have great memories.
"But there are many things I believe could and should be improved. One of my biggest mistakes was voicing them publicly.
Mickelson said, "I have done and said a lot of things that I regret. Mickelson said: "I'm sorry for that, and sorry for the pain it caused a lot.
"I do not condone any violations of human rights." Nobody does. I don't know what I can do to be more specific.
"I am aware of Jamal Khashoggi's death and it is terrible.
"But I have also seen the great things that the game of golf has done throughout history.
"I know that many people have strong opinions, and many will disagree. That is something I sympathize with.
"But, this is an opportunity to me to have more balance and my life going forward."
When asked if the bonus for joining was true, he said that he didn't deny it. He replied: "I believe that contractual agreements should remain private."
"This doesn't seem like the case, but it should."
He explained that he will be playing in the US Open, and that he is looking forward to it.
"I had an amazing time and enjoyed a four-month break that I have not had in over three decades.
"It allowed me to spend time with Amy, go on trips, ski in Montana, and hike, and watch my nephews and niece play Little League baseball, and lacrosse with people that I care about.
"Every day of The Masters, I watched and skied the morning before going to work. It was fun to watch, but I didn't want or need to be there.
"It was clear to me last month through many conversations that I was able play in the US PGA if desired but I wasn’t ready to compete."
The 48-man field includes European Ryder Cup veterans Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and a PS16m prize money winner this week. However, it puts their future participation in the team competition at stake.
Poulter said: "I don’t know what will happen, but I’m just as interested in finding out as you are."
"I would love to believe it wouldn't affect those, but it's an unknown danger."
Westwood said: "It was something i had in mind, maybe not in terms playing, but for me, it could put the future captaincy in jeopardy.
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"People have played on both the European and PGA Tours without any effect on the captaincy. LIV is just another tour, so i don’t see why it should be any other.
"But if there is a pay rise, at my age I would be stupid to not look at it."
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