Phil Mickelson withdraws from the Masters over family health matter
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
While Tiger Woods will step away from golf and not play in the Masters next week, another golf legend will not be on the course at Augusta National Golf Club.
Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson made a statement on Thursday saying he will not play in this year’s tournament.
“Unfortunately, I will not be playing in the Masters Tournament next week and will be away from the field for an extended period of time as my family continues to deal with a personal health issue,” Mickelson said in his statement on social media.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Phil Mickelson hits a shot from the fifth tee during LIV Golf South Africa at The Club at Steyn City in Johannesburg on March 20, 2026. (Johan Rynners/Getty Images)
“I wish everyone good luck and will be watching.”
Augusta National President Fred Ridley also made a statement following Mickelson’s decision.
TIGER WOODS REJECTS RYDER CUP CAPTAINSHIP AFTER DUI AND CAR ACCIDENT
“We know how much Phil loved the Masters and he will be missed by everyone at Augusta next week,” Ridley said in a statement. “He has our full support as he takes the time to be with his family.”
Mickelson, 55, missed four LIV Golf events earlier this year, citing a “family health issue.”
Phil Mickelson walks the 16th fairway during LIV Golf Indianapolis at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Ind., on Aug. 16, 2025. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
He was on the course in South Africa two weeks ago, leading the HyFlyers GC team for the event. Mickelson finished the match in a draw with 48 points.
Mickelson’s Masters announcement comes after Woods stepped away from golf “to seek treatment” following his DUI arrest following a rollover crash on Florida’s Jupiter Island on Friday.
A 15-time major winner and five-time Masters champion, Woods and Mickelson were at the top of the golf world from the late 1990s through the 2010s. While Woods was often ranked high in the world golf rankings, Mickelson was his toughest opponent, winning six majors during his storied career.
HyFlyers GC’s Phil Mickelson walks to the first green during the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship semifinal at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort on August 23, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
So there will be no two golf icons at Augusta National next week, when the 90th edition of the Masters kicks off on Thursday, April 9.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
