Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, will not participate in next week's tournament at Augusta National. The golfer, 55, announced on Thursday that he is stepping away from competition for an "extended period" due to a "family health matter." This marks the first time since 1994 that both Mickelson and Tiger Woods will be absent from the season's first major. Woods himself announced earlier this week that he is taking time away to focus on his health following a recent DUI arrest.
Mickelson's absence from the Masters, a tournament he has competed in 32 times, underscores a significant shift in the landscape of professional golf's most storied events. His withdrawal, alongside Woods', creates a void for an event that has often featured their presence. Mickelson's participation had been uncertain, having previously missed four LIV Golf events this year due to similar family health concerns before returning for the LIV Golf South Africa tournament two weeks ago, where he tied for 48th.
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Mickelson shared his decision via social media, stating, "Unfortunately, I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter." He expressed his continued "great respect for Augusta National Golf Club" and called it "the most special week of the year."
The absence of these two prominent figures is particularly noteworthy given their extensive histories at Augusta. Mickelson, with three green jackets, ranks among the tournament's most successful players, holding 16 top-10 finishes, a record surpassed only by Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan. His last appearance at the Masters saw him finish as runner-up to Jon Rahm in 2023.
This year's Masters, scheduled from April 9-11, will see ten players from the LIV Golf circuit compete, including Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Sergio Garcia. Mickelson's withdrawal means he has now missed the event only four times since his debut in 1991.
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