The Masters is upon us. And it will feature a first in over three decades.
Golf fans have grown accustomed to the familiar faces that visit Augusta National every spring. Past winners like Fred Couples, Zach Johnson, and Sergio Garcia are fixtures at the first major of the season thanks to their lifetime exemption.
But two of golf’s most infamous competitors will not be in attendance at the Masters in 2026. In fact, it’s the first time this millennium that neither pro will be in the hunt for a green jacket.
Golf analyst Jason Sobel pointed out on social media on Thursday that this will be the first time since 1994 that both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will not be at the Masters.
Why Tiger Woods & Phil Mickelson Will Miss the Masters
How did it come to be that two of modern golf’s biggest icons won’t be in attendance next week?
Most sports fans (and even non-sports fans at this point) have heard why Tiger Woods won’t be at the Masters. The 15-time major winner hinted back in February that he might compete for his sixth green jacket. Those plans were dashed when Woods was involved in a single-car crash in Florida. ESPN reported that he pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor DUI charges, including property damage, and refusal to submit to a drug test. The same day, he announced he would be stepping away from golf to focus on rehabilitation.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods stated in a social media post on Tuesday night. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Mickelson’s absence from the Masters is a little less obvious. The left-hander missed the first four LIV Golf events of 2026 for what he described as a “family health matter.” He made a similar announcement on Wednesday, just a week ahead of Round 1 teeing off at Augusta.
“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 announced in a post to his Instagram account. “I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year. I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.”
Response to Woods & Mickelson Missing the Masters
It’s been a busy week for the Augusta National press team, who issued statements regarding both absences.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” said Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley in a statement posted to social media. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
A similar statement from Ridley followed the next day, regarding Mickelson.
“We know how much Phil loves the Masters Tournament, and he will be missed by everyone in Augusta next week,” the statement read. “He has our complete support as he takes time to be with his family.”
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