Monahan averted answering a direct question about whether Mickelson was or would be suspended.

"He stepped away on his own accord, and he's asked for time. He's been given that time," Monahan said.

"We don't comment on disciplinary matters, potential matters or actual matters.

"But every player is accountable for their actions out here."

Monahan said he hasn't spoken with Mickelson since the latter's controversial comments weeks ago regarding the Saudi-backed Super Golf League (SGL).

RIGHT: Phil Mickelson is expected to sit down with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan before he makes his return to tournament golf. PHOTO: Oisin Keniry/Getty Images.​

Among other things, Mickelson said he was willing to look past the human rights abuses of the "scary" Saudis in order to get some leverage with the Tour on economic matters.

Mickelson, 51, later apologised for his comments, adding that he was taking a sabbatical from golf.

"I think the ball is in his court," Monahan said.

"I would welcome a phone call from him ... When he's ready to come back to the PGA Tour, we're going to have that conversation."

Defending Players champion Justin Thomas said many people believe Mickelson should have the opportunity to apologise and move forward.

"I think a lot of people are probably just a little bit upset at how it happened or how he went about it ... Now I just think it's more of what he wants," Thomas said Tuesday.

"We don't comment on disciplinary matters, potential matters or actual matters. But every player is accountable for their actions out here." - Jay Monahan.

"If he wants to try to come back and play 'X' amount of events or if he wants to try to create his own thing. If he wants to do whatever he's got to do, nobody knows what's going on inside of Phil's head beside Phil, and I think the last couple weeks have proven that more than ever."

Monahan addressed the SGL in his opening remarks at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

"The PGA Tour is moving on ... ," Monahan said.

"I am grateful for the strong support our top players have shown recently and publicly, and I'm extremely proud that we've turned the conversation around to focus on what we do best: delivering world-class golf tournaments with the best players to the best fans, all while positively impacting the communities in which we play.

"We are and we always will be focused on legacy, not leverage."