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Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, will not tee off at next week’s PGA Championship. The 55-year-old, who competes on the LIV Golf course, cited a “personal health matter with his family,” tournament organizers confirmed Tuesday.
Mickelson was absent from Augusta National for the 2026 Masters last month, saying at the time that he would step aside for “an extended period” while he and his family worked through an unspecified health issue.
“Unfortunately, I will not be playing 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 issue,” Mickelson wrote in an April statement posted to social media.
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Phil Mickelson walks the first green during the semifinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort on August 23, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)
“I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching,” he added.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley expressed support for Mickelson following his decision to step away from the signature event. “We know how much Phil loves the Masters tournament and he will be missed by everyone at Augusta next week,” Ridley’s statement read. “He has our full support as he takes time to be with his family.”
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Mickelson has won six major championships, including two PGA Championship titles. His 2021 win at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina made him the oldest golfer to win a major at age 50.
Phil Mickelson plays a shot from the fifth tee during day two of LIV Golf South Africa at The Club at Steyn City in Johannesburg on March 20, 2026. (Johan Rynners/Getty Images)
Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, Mickelson was expected to compete among a field of more than 150 players at Aronimink Golf Club, site of this year’s PGA Championship. The tournament starts on May 14 and runs until May 17.
Max Homa has been named as Mickelson’s replacement following his withdrawal.
Phil Mickelson of the Hyflyers looks up after hitting a shot from the rough on the 15th hole during day two of LIV Golf Dallas on June 28, 2025 at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, TX. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Mickelson has already missed four events this season on the LIV Golf calendar, including stops in Hong Kong and Singapore. A “family health issue” was also cited as the reason for Mickelson’s absence in February.
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Mickelson returned to competition in March at an event in South Africa where he finished in a tie for 48th. That event was followed by his announcement in early April that he would take a break from the sport.
