On Thursday, Phil Mickelson declared he would be withdrawing from the upcoming Masters, indicating a prolonged absence to allow his family to manage a private health issue.
This marks the inaugural occasion since 1994 where both Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters victor, and Mickelson, a three-time recipient of the coveted green jacket, will be absent from the year’s initial major at Augusta National Golf Club.
Woods, on Tuesday, disclosed his intention to “take a break for a duration to pursue therapy and prioritize my well-being.” This choice came four days subsequent to his detention for suspected DUI and declining to undergo a legal examination, following a vehicle overturning incident in Florida.
The 55-year-old Mickelson communicated this news via his online social platforms.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) April 2, 2026
In a penned statement, Mickelson conveyed, “I hold profound esteem for Augusta National Golf Club, and this is undeniably the year’s paramount week. I extend my good wishes to all competitors and will be observing.”
Due to his domestic circumstances, Mickelson had been absent from the initial four LIV Golf League events on this year’s schedule. He made his comeback two weeks prior in South Africa, concluding in a tie for the 48th position.
Mickelson was scheduled for his 33rd appearance in the Masters, a tournament he last claimed victory in during 2010. The southpaw golfer, with his sixteen finishes within the top ten at Augusta National, is surpassed solely by Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan. Notably, he secured second place to Jon Rahm in 2023.
Mickelson’s most recent absence from the Masters occurred in 2022, subsequent to his contentious remarks concerning Saudi Arabia’s royal family and the PGA Tour. Prior to that, he had participated in every tournament since 1994.