Phil Mickelson withdraws from Masters over family health matter

Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the 2026 Masters and says he will be away from golf for an extended period while his family deals with a personal health matter.

Mickelson said Thursday that he will not play next week at Augusta National. Reuters, AP and ESPN all reported the withdrawal, and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said Mickelson will be missed and has the club’s support.

The latest reports make clear this is not just a one-tournament absence. Mickelson has already missed multiple LIV Golf events earlier in 2026 because of the same family health matter.

Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, had been listed among the invitees for the tournament before the withdrawal. The Masters is scheduled to begin on April 9.

No details about the health matter were released. For now, the key news is that one of Augusta National’s most familiar names will not tee it up, and there is no firm timetable for his return.

His absence removes a major storyline from Masters week and leaves his future schedule uncertain beyond next week’s tournament.