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Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson will not play in next week’s PGA Championship. The 55-year-old, who competes on the LIV Golf circuit, alleged a “personal health issue with his family,” tournament organizers confirmed Tuesday.
Mickelson was absent from Augusta National for the 2026 Masters last month and said at the time that he would step aside for an “extended period of time” while he and his family dealt with an unspecified health issue.
“Unfortunately, I will not be playing in the Masters Tournament next week and will be away for an extended period of time while 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 on 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/Image Images)
“I wish you all the best of luck and I will stay tuned,” he added.
Augusta National President Fred Ridley expressed his support for Mickelson following his decision to step away from the flagship event. “We know how much Phil loves the Masters tournament and we will all miss him 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 victory 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)
Before 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 will begin on May 14 and will run until May 17.
Max Homa has been named Mickelson’s replacement following his retirement.
Phil Mickelson of the Hyflyers looks up after hitting a putt from the gross 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 matter” was also cited as the reason for Mickelson’s absence in February.
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Mickelson returned to competition in March for an event in South Africa, finishing tied for 48th. That event was followed by his announcement in early April that he would be taking a break from the sport.
