Phil Mickelson 2026 Masters absence due to family health issue

Phil Mickelson will miss the 2026 Masters, the first time since 1994 he and Tiger Woods will both be absent from the major tournament.
By Newsroom | Golf, Sports |

Phil Mickelson, the celebrated three-time Masters champion, will not participate in the upcoming 2026 tournament. The decision, announced via social media, stems from a stated "personal health matter" his family is currently navigating, which will necessitate his absence for an "extended period." This marks the first time since 1994 that both Mickelson and Tiger Woods will be absent from golf's opening major.

Mickelson's withdrawal is framed as a consequence of attending to a family health issue, leading to an extended break from competitive golf.

Mickelson, 55 years old, confirmed his absence on Thursday, expressing "great respect for Augusta National Golf Club" and acknowledging the Masters as "the most special week of the year." He indicated he would be watching the event. His return to play recently, after missing the initial four LIV Golf events of the season, saw him tie for 48th place in South Africa. His decision to step away indefinitely follows previous announcements of missing LIV Golf tournaments in Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong, and Singapore earlier this year.

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The absence of Mickelson, alongside Woods who also announced he is stepping away to focus on his health, marks a significant shift for the tournament. Their combined eight Masters victories represent a substantial portion of the event's storied history. Mickelson's consistent performance at Augusta National is noteworthy, with a record of 16 finishes inside the top 10 across 32 appearances and a scoring average under par.

Further context to Mickelson's situation emerges from reports of his arrest last Friday on charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a test following a two-car collision near his home. This incident precedes his Masters withdrawal and his prior announcement of missing LIV Golf events due to his personal circumstances. The extended time away from competition raises questions about his standing within the LIV Golf league, where his absence has already impacted his season progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Phil Mickelson not playing in the 2026 Masters?
Phil Mickelson will not play in the 2026 Masters because he needs to take care of a personal family health matter. He said he will be away for a long time.
Q: When was the last time Phil Mickelson missed the Masters?
This is the first time since 1994 that Phil Mickelson has missed the Masters. He will also miss it at the same time as Tiger Woods, who is also taking a break.
Q: What did Phil Mickelson say about missing the Masters?
Phil Mickelson said he has great respect for Augusta National and that the Masters is the most special week of the year. He plans to watch the event from home.
Q: Has Phil Mickelson played golf recently?
Yes, Phil Mickelson recently played in South Africa and finished tied for 48th place. However, he had previously missed four LIV Golf events earlier this year.
Q: What other issues has Phil Mickelson faced recently?
Before withdrawing from the Masters, Phil Mickelson was arrested on charges of DUI with property damage and refusing a test after a car accident near his home.