Phil Mickelson stripped of chance to show Jack | Sports News

Phil Mickelson won’t have the chance to show Jack Nicklaus incorrect after the golf icon delivered a harsh analysis of Lefty ultimately yr’s Masters. The 55-year-old LIV Golf participant, a three-time champion at Augusta National, will miss this yr’s match. Mickelson has handled household points this yr, sitting out the primary 4 LIV occasions of 2026 earlier than competing in South Africa.

However, it appears that evidently was a singular look, with Mickelson additionally pulling out of the Masters and revealing an prolonged absence from golf. He will likely be among the many notable names, alongside Tiger Woods, lacking from the Masters Champions Dinner. “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,” wrote Mickelson on X.

“I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year,” Mickelson continued. “I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.” Meanwhile, golf icon Fred Couples had an emotional response to Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest.

At the 2025 Masters, Nicklaus was questioned in regards to the man he shares a Champions dinner with yearly. However, the 86-year-old appeared unfamiliar with Mickelson’s current performances. “I don’t know what level Phil is competing at,” he mentioned frankly.

“I guess he’s still playing. He’s playing the LIV Tour, is he? I don’t know if he’s playing or not. I don’t know, you never see that anymore.” Nicklaus continued: “I think Phil has been competitive in an odd event here and there but not really in the last few years. You know, Phil has been a good player. There’s no question about that. There’s no question he’s been a good player.”

Nicklaus’s unsure recollection of how typically Mickelson had competed on the 2025 LIV Golf tour revealed every part about how typically he tuned in to their broadcasts. It did not help issues that Mickelson subsequently missed the cut and did not attain the weekend.

Now in 2026, Mickelson’s absence, although unlucky in nature, will in all probability additional diminish any recollection of his talents in Nicklaus’s thoughts. While a framework deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf was finalized in 2023, minimal progress has been made to bridge the divide. If something, the reverse has occurred.

The PGA Tour has bolstered its standing with the re-signing of Brooks Koepka, whereas LIV Golf has departed from its signature 54-hole format to undertake a 72-hole construction. The transition to a four-day match helped the breakaway circuit secure OWGR factors.

Despite earlier disparaging feedback in regards to the people of Saudi Arabia, Mickelson joined LIV Golf in 2022 and acquired a substantial bonus within the course of.

And, in contrast to Koepka, he has no plans to depart. Speaking at a LIV Golf briefing in January, Mickelson mentioned: “Last year was a good year for me.

“I began to play nicely. Had a couple of good probabilities, which was thrilling and motivating for me. Playing towards this many great gamers every week is tough but it surely’s thrilling. I really like the problem. Heading into 2026, I’ve very optimistic and excited what the yr might carry.”