Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has abruptly withdrawn from the 2026 Masters Tournament, which begins on Thursday, April 9.
“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,” Mickelson, 55, shared via Instagram on Thursday, April 2. “I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year.”
He added, “I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.”
Mickelson did not elaborate on the specific nature of his absence, but the statement was similar to one he gave in February when he was forced to miss time due to a “family health matter.”
“I can’t wait to compete again and look forward to rejoining my teammates as soon as possible,” he shared via Instagram at the time. Mickelson ended up missing four tournaments after initially saying he would only miss two.
Mickelson returned to competition at LIV Golf’s South Africa event last month, his first since August 2025.
The three-time Masters champion has been married to his wife, Amy, since 1996, and the couple share three children. Both of Mickelson’s parents, Phil Sr. and Mary, are still alive.
The 2026 Masters Tournament — which tees off Thursday from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia — will also be without Tiger Woods after the 15-time major champion was arrested for DUI after a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27. Woods, 50, was also charged with refusal to submit a BAL test after he declined to provide a urine sample. He has since shared that he will seek treatment outside of the U.S.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” said Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, on Sunday, March 29. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Woods has won the Masters Tournament five times, the second-most in history behind Jack Nicklaus, who has captured six green jackets.
During a phone call with reporters on Monday, March 30, CBS Sports president David Berson addressed how the Masters broadcast would address the storylines swirling around Woods.
“Tiger is a story, obviously, wherever he is,” Berson said. “But our job during the Tournament itself will be to cover the Tournament. Tiger obviously has a tremendous legacy at Augusta National with all his Masters victories and his voice in the sport. So, of course, we’ll touch on things as necessary as news dictates. But for coverage of the event itself, we’re going to cover the event.”
