Golf Roundup: Hubbard Leads Texas Open; Mickelson to Miss Masters

Mark Hubbard surges late to take one-shot lead as Phil Mickelson withdraws from Augusta National due to personal health matter.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:33am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a golfer's swing, with sharp planes of color representing the energy and tension of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the drama unfolding on the PGA Tour, as a rising star seeks his first victory while a legendary champion faces personal challenges.Jupiter Island Today

Mark Hubbard birdied the 18th hole to complete a 6-under-par 30 on the back nine and grab a one-shot lead at the Valero Texas Open when play was suspended Thursday at TPC San Antonio. Meanwhile, three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson announced he will miss next week's tournament due to a personal health matter affecting his family.

Why it matters

Hubbard is seeking his first PGA Tour victory, while Mickelson's absence from the Masters marks the first time he will not compete in the year's first major since 2022 when he took a self-imposed break. Mickelson's withdrawal also raises questions about his future in the sport as he continues to deal with a personal health issue.

The details

Hubbard emerged from a six-way tie for the lead and signed for a 7-under 65 late in the day. The 36-year-old has never won on the PGA Tour. His round featured a four-birdie stretch from Nos. 11-14, including a 24-foot birdie putt at No. 12, and a tee shot to about 6 feet at the par-3 16th to set up another birdie. Mickelson, a six-time major champion, said in a statement that he will not play in the Masters next week and will be out for an extended period as his family continues to navigate a personal health matter.

  • Play was suspended Thursday at TPC San Antonio due to inclement weather.
  • Hubbard completed his round of 7-under 65 late in the day.

The players

Mark Hubbard

A 36-year-old PGA Tour player seeking his first career victory.

Phil Mickelson

A three-time Masters champion who will miss the tournament next week due to a personal health matter affecting his family.

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What they’re saying

“I always thought the back nine's a little gettable out here. That front nine there's a couple tough par 4s, you're just hanging on, but the back you can get it going, especially with the wind direction. … I just hit it really well with my irons, and if you're in the fairways, just kind of frees me up.”

— Mark Hubbard

“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. 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

What’s next

The judge in Mickelson's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to travel for treatment.

The takeaway

Hubbard's strong finish at the Texas Open puts him in position for his first PGA Tour victory, while Mickelson's withdrawal from the Masters raises concerns about his future in the sport as he continues to deal with a personal health issue affecting his family.