Full Breakdown
Phil Mickelson Withdraws from 2026 PGA Championship Amid Family Health Concerns
5/6/2026, 2:56:35 AM
Withdrawal and Field Update
On May 5, 2026 the PGA of America announced that six-time major champion Phil Mickelson withdrew from the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania (May 14-17). The tournament cited a “personal health matter with his family.” Max Homa, the first alternate, filled Mickelson’s spot in the 154-player field.
Recent Health-Related Absences
Mickelson missed the Masters in early April for the same family health issue and has played only one LIV Golf event this season—a T-48 finish at LIV Golf South Africa in March—missing five of six LIV tournaments. His limited schedule coincides with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ending its funding of the league this summer.
Field Composition and Key Players
The field retains defending champion Scottie Scheffler, 30 players from the 2018 BMW Championship at Aronimink, and 33 special-invitation recipients. Dustin Johnson, a two-time major champion and LIV captain, received a special exemption despite a world ranking of 468, extending his major-appearance streak to 69 events. Tiger Woods is absent, reportedly in a treatment program after a March DUI arrest.
Official Statements & Criticism
The PGA of America confirmed Mickelson’s withdrawal and Max Homa’s addition. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said the league is “really sensitive” to Mickelson’s situation and praised his contributions. Critics note his reduced LIV participation and the league’s reliance on PIF funding raise questions about his commitment to the breakaway circuit.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the field size as either 154 or 156 players. Mickelson’s missed LIV events are reported as five of six. No details have been released about the specific family health issue.
Verbatim Quotes
"I just want to be really sensitive. We all have things going on in our lives that are personal, and his is. I have a lot of love and respect for him as a human being, and certainly have respect for him for what he's accomplished in his career." — Scott O'Neil, CEO, LIV Golf
"Very excited. I want to play in all the majors. I feel like my game is still good enough to compete with everyone and still can win. The PGA was nice enough to give me an invitation. So yeah, I'm very, very happy and thankful for that." — Dustin Johnson, LIV Golf captain
"I wish I could. I can't unfortunately." — Phil Mickelson, in response to a query from Flushing It Golf
"Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the 2026 PGA Championship field due to a personal health matter with his family." — PGA of America statement
What's Next
The PGA Championship begins Thursday, May 14, at Aronimink. Two reserved spots will be filled by the winners of the Truist Championship and the Myrtle Beach Classic later this week. Dustin Johnson will compete under his special exemption; Max Homa replaces Mickelson. Mickelson’s future participation in majors and LIV events remains uncertain pending resolution of his family health matter and the league’s funding outlook.
