Phil Mickelson has decided to withdraw from the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. The six-time major champion cited a “personal health matter with his family.” This marks his absence from the tournament, following his missed appearance at the Masters earlier this year due to the same reason.
At 55, Mickelson’s recent choices have raised eyebrows. He has skipped five of the six LIV Golf events in 2026, only participating in March at LIV South Africa, where he placed T48. His absence from major events coincides with reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will stop funding LIV Golf, casting doubt on the tour’s future.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil expressed concern for Mickelson, highlighting the importance of his presence in the sport. “He carries a ton of weight in every room he walks into,” O’Neil stated. His legacy extends beyond his accomplishments; he brings character to the events he attends.
The golf community is also missing Tiger Woods, who will not compete in next week’s championship. This year’s Masters was notable as it was the first time since 1994 that neither Woods nor Mickelson was part of the field.
Adding a twist to the tournament, Dustin Johnson received a special exemption to compete, even though his eligibility had expired last year. Currently, Johnson ranks No. 468 in the Official World Golf Rankings but will mark his 68th consecutive major appearance, despite some absences due to injuries and personal matters.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of professional golf, particularly as major tournaments face uncertainty regarding player participation and the financial stability of leagues. Fans are eager to see how these changes will impact both players and events in the coming years.
For more detailed updates on player participation and tournament news, check out sources like ESPN.
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