Phil Mickelson quick to react to Rory McIlroys | Golf News

LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson responded to Rory McIlroy’s gorgeous back-to-back Masters victory by declaring the accomplishment was “simply remarkable.”

The most current participant to retain their crown and seize consecutive Masters titles was Tiger Woods. McIlroy has now entered an exceptionally elite membership as one of only 4 gamers in historical past to defend their title at Augusta National, alongside Jack Nicklaus (1965–66), Nick Faldo (1989–90), and Woods (2001-02). Meanwhile, CBS was slammed for ruining the second McIlroy received.

Mickelson was not competing at Augusta as the three-time champion pulled out shortly before the match to tackle a personal household health matter. It represented only his second absence from the celebrated match since 1995.

As Sunday commenced, Mickelson turned to social media to share his enthusiasm for The Masters. Despite his absence, he wrote: “The Masters’ has turned into such an exciting weekend of golf. As much as I miss being there, watching it is every bit as enjoyable.” Then, after McIlroy magnificently delivered a second Green Jacket, Mickelson posted: “Congrats to @McIlroyRory for an exciting @TheMasters win. Back to back is simply remarkable.”

Mickelson’s three victories at Augusta got here in 2004, 2006, and 2010. He missed the cut in 2025 after ending tied for forty third in 2024 and tied for second in 2023.

The American has been one of the most distinguished figures at Augusta, and amid all the top opponents battling it out over the ultimate 18 holes, his absence was felt. Mickelson announced back in February that he meant to skip the first two LIV Golf tournaments of the 12 months (Riyadh and Adelaide). He would go on to miss two more shortly after (Hong Kong and Singapore).

Taking to social media to keep followers informed, Mickelson explained why he could be absent from the 2026 Masters. He wrote: “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.

“I’ve great respect for Augusta National Golf Club, and it’s positively the most particular week of the 12 months. I want everybody the best luck and shall be watching.” Mickelson also sat out the match in 2022 following his transfer from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. The change and the ensuing divide in the game have beforehand put him at odds with McIlroy, but for now, Mickelson was full of admiration watching the Northern Irishman efficiently defend his title.