After requesting a release to compete in the opening tournament of a lucrative Saudi Arabia-backed golf tour in June, Phil Mickelson stirred speculation about his likely return to golf on Monday.

Mickelson’s management business stated in a statement that the 51-year-old six-time major champion was requesting permission to compete in the LIV Golf Invitational outside of London on June 9-11, but noted that he had not yet confirmed his participation.

The former world number one has not played since causing a stir in February when his statements to author Alan Shipnuck about the new Saudi-funded endeavour were published.

Mickelson called the prospective league’s Saudi supporters as “dangerous,” with a “terrible human rights record,” but said he was willing to work with them to obtain influence to “reshape” the US PGA Tour.

Mickelson, the PGA champion, then apologised for his remarks and said that he would be taking some “desperately needed time away” from the game.

His eventual return, though, could include an appearance at the LIV Golf event at Centurion Golf Club outside of London.

Mickelson is registered to participate in both next month’s PGA Championship, when he will defend his title, and the US Open, which takes place the week following the LIV London event, according to Steve Loy, co-president of Sportfive management.

“Our client Phil Mickelson is officially registered to play in the PGA Championship as well as the US Open,” Loy said.

“We have also filed a request on his behalf for a release to play in the first LIV Golf Invitational in London, June 9-11. This request complies with the deadline of April 25 set forth by the PGA Tour to compete in a conflicting tour event.

“Phil currently has no concrete plans on when and where he will play. Any actions taken are in no way a reflection of a final decision made, but rather to keep all options open.”

Mickelson’s prospective return comes amid rumours that other players may decide to join the Saudi-backed initiative.

The lucrative series will feature payouts of $25 million per tournament, making each leg more profitable than the PGA Tour’s wealthiest event and about double the prize money on offer for each of golf’s four majors.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom claimed on Monday that European Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood were all considering competing.

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