Why Did Phil Mickelson Drop out of the Masters? The Golfer Announces an Extended Break

Every year, golf fans anticipate The Masters Tournament, held each year during the first week of April in Augusta, Ga. Known as the first major golf tournament of the year, this event sets the tone for the season and gives fans and athletes a look at players to watch. As expected, fans look forward to seeing names like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson battle it out on the green.

And with the tournament just a few days away, a shakeup has already occurred. While fans were expecting to see three-time champion Phil Mickelson try his hand at winning another title, it appears that he will not be in attendance. And since he has no known pre-existing conditions or issues off the green, fans are wondering what’s going on. So, why did Phil Mickelson drop out of The Masters Tournament? Here’s the full scoop.

Phil is taking time away to focus on family. In an April 2, 2026, post on X (formerly Twitter), Phil shared why he will not be gracing the green as The Masters Tournament this year.

“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,” Phil wrote. “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 I will be watching.”

Interestingly, Phil did not elaborate on the personal health matter that his family is experiencing. And since he’s choosing to be silent, fans are now speculating about who in his family could be battling a health crisis.

Not to mention, with no clear timeline of Phil’s return, some fans believe that there is a chance that the extended period of time away could turn into a more permanent arrangement.

Unfortunately, this is not the only tournament Phil won’t compete in. The BBC reports that on Feb 1, 2026, Phil shared that a "family health matter" was the reason he did not compete in the first four events of the LIV Golf season. These events were held in Adelaide, Hong Kong, Riyadh, and Singapore.

Interestingly, Phil did play in LIV’s golf tournament at Steyn City in Johannesburg in mid-March. However, the outlet shared that it wasn't clear if he would play in the Masters. So given the circumstances, the family's health matter seems to have made a turn for the worse.

The outlet also revealed that Phil did not play in the 1994 tournament. Coincidentally, this move marks the second time that both he and Tiger Woods are missing the tournament. While Phil is tending to family health concerns, Tiger was involved in a car accident in Florida and arrested.

Phil also didn’t appear in the 2025 Master’s after failing to make the cut to qualify. So, it’s a crushing blow for fans who were looking forward to seeing him play.

We'd like to wish Phil and his family all the best as they navigate the health matter.