The Masters begin on Thursday in Augusta, Georgia, but this tournament will not have a high-profile figure on the course. Phil Mickelson is stepping away from the tournament.
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The golfer known as Lefty announced the news on social media. He did not provide full details about his absence from the Masters, nor did he have to.
"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 wrote on social media.
"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."
Phil Mickelson's monologue during his drive down Magnolia lane for the 2019 Masters will always be a classic. 👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/PXGeOuxgcS
— Tour Pro 🏌️♂️ (@OfficialTourPro) April 6, 2026
Mickelson is a past champion at the extremely prestigious tournament. He won the green jacket for the first time in 2004. He then won again in 2006 after defeating Tim Clark by two shots. He scored his third Masters win in 2010 while finishing 16 under Par.
Lefty is tied with four other golfers for the fourth-most Masters wins in history. He joins Sam Snead, Gary Player, Jimmy Demaret, and Nick Faldo. Arnold Palmer has four Masters wins, Tiger Woods has five, and Jack Nicklaus has six.
Mickelson is not the only past winner who will miss the tournament in Georgia. Woods will also be absent. He was arrested for DUI on March 27 after a rollover crash in Florida.
Woods then announced that he would step away from golf to focus on treatment. This absence included staying away from the Masters in 2026.
"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being," said Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley in a statement. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta."
The 2026 iteration of the tournament will be historic. It will mark the first time since 1994 that neither Mickelson nor Woods will compete at Augusta National Golf Club.
