Professional golf star Phil Mickelson will not participate in the upcoming PGA Championship scheduled for next week, according to tournament officials who announced Tuesday that the decision stems from ongoing family health concerns.
This latest absence follows Mickelson’s statement from more than a month ago, made before the Masters tournament, when he indicated he would take an “extended” hiatus from competition while his family navigates personal health challenges. Tournament organizers have named Max Homa as the first alternate to fill Mickelson’s spot in the championship field.
The veteran golfer had already been absent from the opening four tournaments of LIV Golf’s 2026 season due to these same family health issues. He had only recently returned to competitive play on the LIV circuit, participating in a South African event where he tied for 48th place, before making this latest decision to step away from competition.
Mickelson made golf history in 2021 when he captured the PGA Championship at age 50, becoming the sport’s oldest major tournament winner in what many considered one of the game’s greatest upset victories. His first PGA Championship victory came in 2005.
The second major championship of the year is scheduled to take place May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
