Phil Mickelson Withdraws From Masters Due to Family Emergency, While Former Caddie Had a Different Take
Oct 26, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Phil Mickelson speaks during a press conference before the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Phil Mickelson speaks during a press conference before the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Mickelson isn’t going to Augusta for the Masters because of a family emergency. The 55-year-old pulled out of the 2026 Masters just a few days before the first round on April 2.
No explanation beyond "family emergency" has been offered, and nobody's pushing for one. The most awkward part is that his caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay, didn't see it coming.
Mackay, who has been Mickelson's caddie for 25 years now, appeared onThe Dan Patrick Show on March 31. Amid other discussions, he implied that Mickelson's participation in the Masters was a done deal.
"Phil's a guy that would think he could win the Masters into his 60s," Mackay said. "I would expect he'll show up at the Masters and he'll be intent on winning."
January 28, 2017 Phil Mickelson and caddie Jim Bones Mackay on the second hole during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. /CSM GOLF 2017: Farmers Insurance Open JAN 28 - ZUMAc04_ 20170128_zaf_c04_419 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
January 28, 2017 Phil Mickelson and caddie Jim Bones Mackay on the second hole during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. /CSM GOLF 2017: Farmers Insurance Open JAN 28 - ZUMAc04_ 20170128_zaf_c04_419 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
However, as unpredictable as the future is, Mickelson declared his withdrawal from the event just days after Mackay's show of confidence about his participation. The caddie's words imply that Mickelson's decision to give up on the Masters this year was an urgent one.
Mickelson had been quietly working hard on LIV Golf after a tough period that kept him out of the spotlight. He was trying to get his game back on track.
Playing at the Masters seemed like the next step in his comeback. But this time, it didn’t happen. However, Mickelson isn't the only household name in the sport who will be missing the Masters.
Tiger Woods Will Also Skip the Masters Like Phil Mickelson This Year
Tiger Woods is another big name who is set to miss the 2026 Masters. These are the players who made Masters Sundays exciting, and in 2026, neither of them will be playing.
According to Sky Sports, Woods decided to opt out of the 2026 Masters after a car crash in Florida led to him being charged with DUI. The 50-year-old announced his withdrawal with an X update on April 1. It disclosed that he was "stepping away" for an undisclosed time to "seek treatment" and focus on his health.
Together, Mickaelson and Woods have won eight green jackets. This will be the first Masters since 1994 where neither of them is playing. Augusta will still go on, as it always does, but without them, it might feel a little empty.
So, what do you think about Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods missing in the Masters? Let us know in the comments
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Souvik Roy