Augusta National Chairman Addresses Mickelson's Masters Absence

Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson will miss the 2026 Masters Tournament due to a personal health matter.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the iconic Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament in a fractured, multi-perspective style, capturing the changing dynamics of the sport without any identifiable elements.The absence of golf legends Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods from the 2026 Masters Tournament exposes the evolving landscape of the sport, as the iconic event faces a new era without its most celebrated players.Augusta Today

Phil Mickelson announced he will not participate in the 2026 Masters Tournament, marking the first time since 1994 that the tournament will not feature Mickelson or 15-time major champion Tiger Woods. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley released a statement expressing the club's support for Mickelson as he takes time to be with his family.

Why it matters

Mickelson is a three-time Masters champion and has 12 top-five finishes at Augusta National, making him one of the most decorated players in the tournament's history. His absence will be felt by golf fans and the tournament organizers alike.

The details

Mickelson cited a 'personal health matter' as the reason for his extended absence from golf. The news comes just days after Woods officially withdrew from the tournament, dealing with the fallout from a recent DUI charge and rollover crash. Mickelson has seen mixed success at the Masters in recent years, finishing as the runner-up in 2023 but missing the cut in 2024, 2021, and 2020.

  • Mickelson announced his withdrawal on April 2, 2026.
  • The 2026 Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 10-13, 2026.

The players

Phil Mickelson

A six-time major champion and three-time Masters winner who has been a fixture at Augusta National for decades.

Fred Ridley

The chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, the host organization of the Masters Tournament.

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion who has also been a regular at the Masters, but will not be competing this year due to personal issues.

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What they’re saying

“We know how much Phil loves the Masters Tournament, and he will be missed by everyone in Augusta next week. He has our complete support as he takes time to be with his family.”

— Fred Ridley, Augusta National Chairman

“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 2026 Masters Tournament will proceed without two of the sport's biggest stars, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. Golf fans and media will closely follow any updates on Mickelson's personal health matter and his potential return to competition.

The takeaway

Mickelson's absence from the Masters, one of golf's most prestigious events, highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport and the challenges that even the greatest players can face. The tournament will go on, but the void left by Mickelson and Woods will be felt by the entire golf community.