Phil Mickelson to miss Masters & take 'extended' break due to family health matter

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mickelson-phil/QylCNJeL/"]Mickelson[/a] missed the first ‌four events of LIV's 2026 season due ‌to the same family health matter ‌and had just returned to action on the Saudi-backed circuit two weeks ago in ‌South Africa where he finished ⁠in a ‌share of 48th.[/p][p][b]"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,"[/b] the ​six-time major champion said in a statement posted on X.[/p][p][b]"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."[/b][/p][p]This marks the first time Mickelson will not compete in the year's first major since 2022, when he sat out the tournament while taking a ‌self-imposed break after excerpts from an ​unauthorised biography revealed he had called ‌the Saudis "scary" but was willing to look past their human rights record.[/p][p]Mickelson missed the cut at last year's Masters.[/p][p]The Masters is scheduled for April 9-12 ⁠at Augusta ⁠National Golf Club.[/p]