In a move that has sent ripples through the golfing world, six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from next week's PGA Championship, citing a "personal health matter with his family." The 55-year-old legend, who captured the PGA Championship in 2005 and 2021, was originally listed among the 154-player field for the tournament at Aronimink Golf Club in Newton Square, Pennsylvania, scheduled for May 14-17. However, organizers confirmed his withdrawal later Tuesday, with fellow American Max Homa stepping in as his replacement.

This isn't the first time Mickelson has stepped away from the game this season. He also missed last month's Masters, explaining at the time that he would be taking an "extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter." His absence extends beyond the traditional PGA Tour calendar—Mickelson also sat out the first four events of the 2026 LIV Golf season, including stops in Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He initially cited a "family health matter" when announcing his break on February 1.

For fans who vividly recall Mickelson's historic 2021 PGA Championship victory—where he became the oldest major champion at age 50—this news is a poignant reminder of the challenges even the greatest athletes face off the course. After returning to action briefly in March at Steyn City in South Africa, where he finished tied for 48th, he announced another break from golf in early April. As the golf community rallies around him, we send our best wishes to Phil and his family during this difficult time.