Mickelson Sidelined for Masters Due to Health

Golf enthusiasts will not see Phil Mickelson at Augusta National next week, as the celebrated player announced his withdrawal from the Masters. He cited a personal health matter as the reason for his absence, which requires an extended period away from the sport. This marks only the second time since the turn of the century that Mickelson will not participate in golf's first major.

His decision means both Mickelson and Tiger Woods, two of the sport's most prominent figures of the 21st century, will not be competing. Woods had previously confirmed his own withdrawal from the event. The absence of both stars together at the Masters is a rare occurrence, with this being the first time since Woods began his Masters career in 1996 that they will miss the tournament in the same year.