Phil Mickelson, a two-time PGA Championship winner, will not be teeing off at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The news comes as yet another major absence for the legendary left-hander, who also missed the Masters in April. Mickelson revealed his decision earlier this month in an interview with Flushing It Golf, citing a family health matter as the reason for his withdrawal.

"I wish I could," Mickelson said of playing in the PGA Championship. "I can't, unfortunately. I'm hoping to play the rest of the year after that, but I honestly don't know."

This isn't just a one-off absence. Mickelson has also stepped away from LIV Golf events since early February, signaling a broader pause from competitive play. For fans of the sport, it's a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional golf, where even the biggest names can be sidelined by personal circumstances.

Mickelson's history with the PGA Championship is nothing short of legendary. He first claimed the Wanamaker Trophy in 2005, then made history in 2021 by winning it at age 50, becoming the oldest major champion in golf history. That emotional victory at Kiawah Island was a career-defining moment, showcasing his enduring skill and resilience. Since his move to LIV Golf shortly after that win, his best major finish came at the 2023 Masters, where he tied for second—a reminder that even at 55, he remains a force to be reckoned with when healthy.

For now, the golf world will have to wait and see when—or if—Mickelson returns to the fairways. Whether you're a fan of his game or just appreciate the history he's made, his absence from the 2026 PGA Championship leaves a void in a tournament that's always better with a little Lefty magic.