Masters legend aims hilarious unintentional (?) dig at Phil Mickelson

Multiple major champion Jack Nicklaus appeared to genuinely not know whether Phil Mickelson was still playing professional golf. 

As is customary at the tradition unlike any other, Nicklaus got the 2025 Masters underway on Thursday morning. 

Shortly after cracking up the patrons alongside Tom Watson and Gary player, the three golf legends delivered their annual news conference. 

One reporter decided to ask Nicklaus whether he was surprised Lefty was 'still competing' at the age of 54. 

Mickelson left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2022 and is one of 12 players representing the PIF-backed league this week. 

The tree-time green jacket winner carded a 3-over 75 in round one but Nicklaus appeared to have no idea he was even in the field. 

"I don't know what level Phil is competing at," Nicklaus said of Mickelson. 

"I guess he's still playing. He's playing the LIV tour, is he? I don't know if he's playing or not."

Nicklaus only had good things to say about Tiger Woods, though, who is not at Augusta National this week. 

Woods, 49, ruptured his Achilles last month and is expected to miss the entire 2025 major season. 

Nicklaus believes Woods will mount another comeback and dominate the PGA Tour Champions in the future. 

"As far as Phil [is concerned]," continued Nicklaus.

"I think Phil has been competitive in an odd event here and there but not really in the last few years."

Nicklaus made it clear, though, that he holds Mickelson in high regard. 

"Phil has been a good player," he said. "There's no question about that"