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Phil Mickelson Withdraws from Masters Amid Family Health Concerns
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson announced Thursday that he will not participate in this year’s tournament due to a personal family health issue. This marks only the second time since 1994 that Mickelson will miss the event, a tournament he has often called the “most special week of the year.”
In a statement posted on social media, Mickelson said, “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’s absence means that, for the first time since 1994, neither he nor Tiger Woods will be competing at Augusta National. Woods, who has been a fixture at the Masters for decades, announced earlier this week that he is taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment following a recent arrest related to a driving under the influence incident.
Mickelson’s legacy at Augusta is significant. He captured his first major title there in 2004 with a dramatic birdie putt on the final hole, becoming the last player to win the Masters by a single stroke. He went on to claim green jackets again in 2006 and 2010, joining an elite group of only eight players with three or more Masters victories.
While Mickelson has not provided details about the family matter, he has largely been absent from the LIV Golf circuit this year, playing in just one of its five events. He recently returned to competition in South Africa, finishing tied for 48th in a 57-player field, and expressed enthusiasm about being back on the course.
The only other time Mickelson missed the Masters was in 2022, during a period of controversy following his outspoken criticism of the PGA Tour and comments regarding the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, which he later joined. Those remarks led to a loss of sponsorships and significant media attention.
This year’s Masters, scheduled to begin April 9 with a field of 91 players, still has one remaining spot available, depending on the outcome of this week’s Texas Open.
Mickelson’s withdrawal leaves a notable void in the tournament, underscoring the challenges both he and Woods are currently facing away from the game.