Phil Mickelson has been noticeably absent from the golf world in recent months, including his decision to pull out of the Masters. Mickelson previously revealed that he and his wife, Amy Mickelson, had been focusing on a family health matter.
All this has called into question Mickelson’s status for the PGA Championship. There have been conflicting reports about Mickelson’s status for the PGA Championship.
Golfweek’s Cameron Jourdan reported that Mickelson is listed in the PGA Championship field and is expected to compete in the tournament.
“The PGA of America has announced the field for next week’s PGA Championship at Aronimink,” Jourdan detailed in a May 5, message on X. “Phil Mickelson IS listed in the field and is expected to play for only the second time this year.”
Mickelson later noted in a statement to Flushing It Golf that he will not be playing at the PGA Championship.
“I wish I could. I can’t unfortunately,” Mickelson told Flushing It on May 5. “I’m hoping to play the rest of the year after that but I honestly don’t know.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest news on Mickelson.
Phil Mickelson & Wife, Amy Mickelson, Have Been Dealing With a Family ‘Health Matter’
Back on February 1, Mickelson first announced that he would be stepping away from golf ahead of a LIV Golf event. Mickelson revealed that he and his wife, Amy Mickelson, needed to “be present for a family health matter.”
“I will not be able to participate in the first two LIV Events as Amy and I need to be present for a family health matter,” Mickelson wrote in a February 1, statement on Instagram. “I can’t wait to compete again and look forward to rejoining my teammates as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, Ollie Schniederjans will step in for me in Riyadh as I root on HyFlyers GC from afar.”
Phil Mickelson Previously Pulled Out of the Masters
Less than two months later, Mickelson released a similar statement ahead of the Masters. Mickelson once again noted that the family was dealing with a “personal healthy matter” that would keep him away from Augusta National.
“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,” Mickelson remarked in an April 2, Instagram post.
“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.”
LIV Golf Drama Has Coincided With Phil Mickelson’s Absence
Aside from the statements, Mickelson has not revealed any specifics about the health matter and whether it personally involves the golfer or his wife, Amy. Mickelson has previously witnessed both his wife and mother battle cancer.
During the star’s absence, there has been plenty of rumors swirling about the future of LIV Golf. When Mickelson is able to return to play, there will be questions about his future in the sport given the recent turmoil.
“I don’t see a road for Phil Mickelson back to the PGA Tour, even though he’s a lifetime member and he’s done a lot,” PGA Tour golfer Billy Horschel remarked on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, per HITC.com. “I think there is a lot of stuff that he said he did and certain things behind the scenes before LIV came about that mean it’s just not going to work out for him.
“And I don’t think he wants to come back to the PGA Tour or maybe even the Champions Tour.”
Phil Mickelson Reveals Unfortunate Personal News Weeks Before PGA Championship