Phil Mickelson stripped of chance to show Jack | Golf News
Phil Mickelson is not going to have the chance to show Jack Nicklaus unsuitable after the golf icon delivered a harsh analysis of Lefty at last yr’s Masters. The 55-year-old LIV Golf participant, a three-time champion at Augusta National, will miss this yr’s match. Mickelson has dealt with household points this yr, sitting out the first 4 LIV occasions of 2026 before competing in South Africa.
However, it appears that was a singular look, with Mickelson also pulling out of the Masters and revealing an prolonged absence from golf. He can be among the notable names, alongside Tiger Woods, lacking from the Masters Champions Dinner. “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,” wrote Mickelson on X.
“I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year,” Mickelson continued. “I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.” Meanwhile, golf icon Fred Couples had an emotional response to Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest.
At the 2025 Masters, Nicklaus was questioned about the person he shares a Champions dinner with yearly. However, the 86-year-old appeared unfamiliar with Mickelson’s latest performances. “I don’t know what level Phil is competing at,” he said frankly.
“I guess he’s still playing. He’s playing the LIV Tour, is he? I don’t know if he’s playing or not. I don’t know, you never see that anymore.” Nicklaus continued: “I think Phil has been competitive in an odd event here and there but not really in the last few years. You know, Phil has been a good player. There’s no question about that. There’s no question he’s been a good player.”
Nicklaus’s unsure recollection of how often Mickelson had competed on the 2025 LIV Golf tour revealed every thing about how often he tuned in to their broadcasts. It did not help issues that Mickelson subsequently missed the cut and did not attain the weekend.
Now in 2026, Mickelson’s absence, though unlucky in nature, will most likely additional diminish any recollection of his skills in Nicklaus’s thoughts. While a framework deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf was finalized in 2023, minimal progress has been made to bridge the divide. If something, the reverse has occurred.
The PGA Tour has bolstered its standing with the re-signing of Brooks Koepka, while LIV Golf has departed from its signature 54-hole format to undertake a 72-hole construction. The transition to a four-day match helped the breakaway circuit secure OWGR factors.
Despite earlier disparaging feedback about the people of Saudi Arabia, Mickelson joined LIV Golf in 2022 and obtained a substantial bonus in the method.
And, not like Koepka, he has no plans to depart. Speaking at a LIV Golf briefing in January, Mickelson said: “Last year was a good year for me.
“I began to play properly. Had a couple of good possibilities, which was thrilling and motivating for me. Playing against this many great gamers each week is troublesome but it is thrilling. I like the problem. Heading into 2026, I’ve very optimistic and excited what the yr might carry.”
We present a complete listing of the latest golf news and updates from around the world and the USA. Our curated choice options a various vary of topics, making certain that whether or not you might be looking for “latest golf news” or particularly in “PGA Tour updates,” you’ll find the proper info to fit your pursuits.
or more on the golf scene, go to us right here.


