Phil Mickelson clarifies confusion after being listed to play at PGA Championship

Phil Mickelson has clarified confusion after his name appeared on the official entry list for next week's PGA Championship at Aronimink, Pennsylvania.

Tournament organisers have confirmed that the 55-year-olds will not be participating, citing ongoing family health concerns in a message.

The statement read: "Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the 2026 PGA Championship field due to a personal health matter with his family. Max Homa is now in the field."

The six-time major champion clarified that he will not be playing, telling Flushing It Golf: "I wish I could. I can't unfortunately.

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"I'm hoping to play the rest of the year after that, but I honestly don't know."

Mickelson has competed in only a single event throughout 2026 as he continues to address a health situation within his family.

The American returned briefly for a LIV Golf tournament in South Africa during March after missing the season's opening events, but stepped away from competition once more shortly afterwards.

His absence from Augusta National in April marked another significant withdrawal from the golfing calendar.

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In February, Mickelson addressed the situation publicly on X, stating: "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."

He later explained his Masters withdrawal in April, writing: "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 claimed PGA Championship titles in 2005 and 2021, establishing himself as one of the tournament's most successful competitors in recent decades.

Since making his debut at the event in 1993, where he finished tied for sixth, the American has missed the championship on just one previous occasion.

He and his wife, Amy, are parents to three children, though no specific details regarding the family's health situation have been disclosed.

Mickelson departed the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2022, reportedly securing a contract worth $200million (£147.6m).

He has since served as one of the Saudi-backed league's most prominent figures.

His continued absence comes amid uncertainty surrounding LIV's future, following Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announcing it will end its financial backing this summer.

Mickelson's colleague Jon Rahm has agreed a deal to play on the DP World Tour, after clearing fines accumulated since 2024, with the total understood to be approximately $3million (£2.21m).

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