Phil Mickelson announced Thursday that he will skip next week's Masters tournament and remain sidelined for an extended period due to a personal health matter involving his family. The 55-year-old six-time major champion, a fixture at Augusta National since 1991, joins Tiger Woods among prominent absentees. Mickelson shared the news on Instagram, expressing respect for the event.
Mickelson posted a statement on Instagram 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 added, “I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year. I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.” The announcement marks only the fourth time Mickelson has missed the Masters in 36 appearances since his debut in 1991, and the second since 2000 aside from his 2022 absence amid controversy over LIV Golf's Saudi backers. He already sat out the first four LIV Golf events of 2026 for the same reason, returning at LIV South Africa with a 7-under total for a T48 finish in the 54-player field. Mickelson's Masters history includes low amateur honors in 1991 and victories in 2004, 2006, and 2010, highlighted by his iconic 18th-hole birdie to claim the first green jacket. Tiger Woods, who announced Tuesday he is stepping away for treatment after a DUI crash in Florida last week, will also miss the event. The pair have never both skipped the Masters in the same year since Woods debuted in 1996.