Sawt Falasteen - Mickelson withdraws from Masters over family matter

The 55-year-old American left-hander, who plays in the LIV Golf League, won the Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010 and was a runner-up at Augusta National in 2023 to Spain's Jon Rahm.

"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 posted on X.

"I have a 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."

This year will mark the first time since 1994 that both Mickelson and 15-time major winner Tiger Woods will miss the Masters.

Woods said on Tuesday he was taking an extended break from golf for treatment after being involved in a car crash last Friday and charged with suspicion of DUI, a charge to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Mickelson has played every year since 1995 except 2022, the year Woods returned after suffering severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash in California.

Mickelson missed the first four events of this year's LIV Golf campaign before debuting last month in South Africa, sharing 48th.

Mickelson became the oldest major winner in history at age 50 when he captured the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.

He also won the 2005 PGA and 2013 British Open and lacks only a US Open victory to complete a career grand slam. Mickelson has been a US Open runner-up six times, most recently in 2013.

F.AbuShamala--SF-PST