Memphis, TN …

Phil Mickelson is not only missing next week’s U.S. Open but he’s skipping next month’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

Mickelson confirmed he will not compete at Dundonald Links given Scotland’s premier event is heading for a fourth different venue in as many years.

Since Mickelson brilliantly broke through to win at Castle Stuart in 2o13 and then seal a first Open success a week later at Muirfield, the Scottish Open has gone to Royal Aberdeen, Gullane and now to Dundonald Links.

And unlike citing clear “family reasons” in missing Erin Hills, Mickelson has labelled his Scottish decision is based on having to familiarize himself in recent years with a new host venue.

Phil Mickelson will not contest the Scottish Open given it is heading to a fourth venue in as many years.

Strangely, this had been confirmed earlier in the week when it was reported fellow American Matt Kuchar had agreed to tee-up at Dundonald Links.

Kuchar indicated he had been speaking with Mickelson about the Scottish Open shifting venues in recent years and Michelson presenting, what Kuchar remarked, were “insightful” comments in backing up his view.

So, now after being one of the biggest overseas supporters of the event Mickelson, and travelling often with his family to Scotland, he has advised Martin Gilbert he will not be travelling next month to Dundonald Links.

“I am not playing the Scottish this year as it too much for me to learn a new course every time I go to the Scottish on top of needing to familiarise myself with the British Open venues,” he said this week at the 6Oth FedEx St. Jude Classic.

“The thing is that I heard good things about Dundonald but then the Scottish organisers can stay with a rota of two to three courses then I will go back.

“But while they are changing courses of late every year, I will not play”.

Mickelson indicated he has discussed his views with Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management.

“Well, I kind of mentioned my views when I played the Scottish the last time but if they are going to do their own thing, then I don’t want to get in their way,” he added,

And while Mickelson turns his back on Dundonald Links fellow Open winner, Stewart Cink still awaits word on whether he will receive an invitation from organisers.

“I have sought an invitation so I am still waiting to hear as I have not played a Scottish Open since it was held regularly at Loch Lomond,” said Cink.

“I would like to know soon so as I can arrange my flights.”