Trump weighs in on future of golf after Saudis end LIV funding
President Donald Trump gave his thoughts on LIV golfers potentially rejoining the PGA Tour amid the Saudis officially ending their funding for LIV.
Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, will not tee off at next week’s PGA Championship. The 55-year-old, who competes on the LIV Golf circuit, cited a "personal health matter with his family," tournament organizers confirmed Tuesday.
Mickelson was absent from Augusta National for the 2026 Masters last month, saying at the time he would step aside for an "extended period of time" while he and his family worked through an unspecified health issue.
"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 wrote in an April statement posted to social media.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Phil Mickelson walks on the first green during the semifinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort on Aug. 23, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)
"I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching," he added.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley voiced support for Mickelson following his decision to step away from the signature event. "We know how much Phil loves the Masters tournament, and he will be missed by everyone in Augusta next week," Ridley’s statement said. "He has our complete support as he takes time to be with his family."
Mickelson has won six major championships, including two PGA Championship titles. His 2021 victory at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina made him the oldest golfer to win a major at age 50.
Phil Mickelson plays a shot from the fifth tee during day two of LIV Golf South Africa at The Club at Steyn City in Johannesburg on March 20, 2026. (Johan Rynners/Getty Images)
Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, Mickelson was expected to compete among a field of more than 150 players at Aronimink Golf Club, the site of this year’s PGA Championship. The tournament is set to begin May 14 and run through May 17.
Max Homa has been named Mickelson’s replacement following his withdrawal.
Phil Mickelson of the Hyflyers looks up after hitting a shot from the rough on the 15th hole during day two of LIV Golf Dallas on June 28, 2025 at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, TX. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Mickelson has already missed four events this season on the LIV Golf calendar, including stops in Hong Kong and Singapore. A "family health matter" was also cited as the reason for Mickelson’s absence in February.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Mickelson did return to competition in March for an event in South Africa, finishing tied for 48th. That event was followed by his announcement in early April that he would take a break from the sport.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
