Phil Mickelson will skip the Players Championship as his hiatus from golf continues. 

Six-time major champion Mickelson was a notable absentee from the 144-player field that features 48 of the top 50 in the world rankings. 

The 51-year-old said in February he was taking some time away from the sport following the backlash to his comments promoting a Saudi Arabia-backed Super Golf League. 

Mickelson had suggested that although Saudi Arabia has "a horrible record on human rights", the threat of the potential breakaway competition could be used to "reshape how the PGA Tour operates". He subsequently apologised for making "reckless" comments. 

While Mickelson has yet to set a date for his return to action, it will not come at TPC Sawgrass next week. 

Harris English, Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods were the only other qualified players not to commit to the competition.