Phil Mickelson Criticizes Augusta National's Course Length After Missing The Masters Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who has long been associated with Augusta National, expressed concerns about the golf course’s design after watching the tournament from home due to a family health issue. Mickelson, 55, has won the Masters three times—2004, 2006, and 2010—and finished second in 2023, cementing his legacy at the iconic course. However, he opted out of this year’s event, citing an ongoing family health matter. His absence left a noticeable void, but the former PGA Tour star remained engaged by following the tournament on television. During the second round of The Masters, Mickelson took to his official X account to voice his opinion on the course’s changes. He criticized the lengthening of holes 13 and 15, arguing that the adjustments have diminished the excitement and intrigue of the back nine. “Watching The Masters,” he wrote, “seeing so few players long enough to go for 13 & 15 now has taken away so much excitement and intrigue to the back nine. Another example of how longer isn’t always better.” Mickelson’s comments reflect a broader debate about the evolution of Augusta National. In previous years, holes 13 and 15 were accessible to most players, often requiring only short irons to reach the greens. However, recent modifications have made these holes significantly more challenging, with fewer players attempting to reach the green in two shots. While some argue that the changes have preserved the course’s difficulty, Mickelson’s critique highlights the tension between tradition and modernization in golf course design. The decision to lengthen the course was reportedly made to ensure its competitiveness in the face of advancements in golf ball technology.#masters_tournament #augusta_national #phil_mickelson #hole_13 #hole_15
Phil Mickelson Criticizes Augusta National's Lengthened Par 5s at Masters Phil Mickelson, who skipped the 2026 Masters due to a "personal health matter," took to social media to voice his concerns about the lengthened 13th and 15th holes at Augusta National. In a tweet, he lamented the reduced excitement and intrigue on the back nine, arguing that the changes have dulled two of golf’s most iconic par 5s. His comments sparked a broader debate about the impact of course modifications on the game’s most prestigious tournament. Mickelson’s critique centered on the difficulty of reaching the greens in two shots on holes 13 and 15, which he claimed have made the holes less thrilling for fans. He noted that few players are long enough to attempt the second shot, a claim that drew scrutiny. When a colleague pointed out that six players had successfully holed putts for eagle on the 13th hole in round two, Mickelson responded, "6 of 90. Like I said 'so few.'" This exchange highlighted the tension between his perception and the statistical reality of the holes. The data revealed that Mickelson’s assertion was misleading. On the 15th hole, 63% of players attempted to reach the green with their second shot on Thursday, 48% on Friday, and 72% on Saturday. Even players with shorter driving distances, like Brian Harman, opted to go for the green after a strong opening drive. These figures underscore that the holes remain challenging, but the lengthened design has not eliminated the risk of attempting a long second shot. On the 13th hole, Mickelson’s claim was slightly more accurate. In the first round, 33% of players attempted to reach the green, rising to 42% in the second round and 43% in the third.#masters_tournament #augusta_national #bobby_jones #phil_mickelson #13th_hole
Zach Johnson Aims to Make History at The Masters Zach Johnson, a Cedar Rapids native and PGA Champions Tour player, is approaching his 50th birthday but remains determined to perform well at The Masters this week. Despite his age, the golfer is still viewed as a contender, though his odds of winning are long at +55,000. Johnson’s journey to the tournament is marked by both triumph and challenges, making his participation at Augusta National a compelling story. Johnson’s most notable achievement came in 2007 when he won The Masters, an unexpected victory that stunned the golf world. The Des Moines Register reported that he finished with a total score of 289, which is 1 over par. This score is tied for the highest winning total in the tournament’s history, a fact that underscores the unpredictability of the event. His win was celebrated with a memorable moment as he received his green jacket from the previous year’s champion, Phil Mickelson. However, Johnson’s recent years at The Masters have not been as successful. The Register noted that he missed the cut in 2021, 2022, and 2024, with a tied 34th place in 2023. Despite these setbacks, Johnson showed signs of resurgence in 2025 when he finished the tournament at 5 under par, securing a tied-eighth place. This performance marked his best finish at The Masters since 2015, highlighting his resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. The 2026 Masters has generated significant interest, with several players emerging as favorites. According to The Register, the top contenders include Scottie Scheffler at +490, Bryson DeChambeau at +1075, and Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, at +1175. While McIlroy is the most recent winner, the odds suggest that the competition is wide open.#augusta_national #phil_mickelson #zach_johnson #the_masters #the_des_moines_register
Phil Mickelson Withdraws from Masters Over Family Health Matter Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the Masters Tournament, citing a "family health matter" as the reason for his absence. The 55-year-old golfer, who has competed in every Masters since 1995 except for one year, announced his decision on Thursday, emphasizing that his absence will be for an "extended period of time." Mickelson, a five-time major champion and three-time winner of the green jacket, has been a fixture at Augusta National for decades, but his withdrawal marks a significant shift in the tournament’s landscape. Mickelson’s decision comes amid a broader reshaping of the golfing world. Over the past four years, he has been a prominent figure on the LIV Golf circuit, a breakaway tour that split from the PGA Tour in 2021. However, his participation in the LIV circuit has been limited this season, with the golfer competing in just one of five events. His absence from the Masters is expected to have a lasting impact on the tournament’s field, as he is one of the most recognizable and accomplished players in the sport. The withdrawal also coincides with the departure of another iconic figure, Tiger Woods. Earlier this week, Woods announced his own absence from the Masters following a DUI arrest linked to a rollover crash in Florida. The two-time Masters champion, who has been sidelined by injuries and personal challenges in recent years, will not compete in the tournament. Together, their absences mark the first time since 1994 that neither of golf’s most legendary players will be present at Augusta National. The Masters, which begins next Thursday, will see Rory McIlroy take on the role of defending champion.#liv_golf #masters_tournament #augusta_national #tiger_woods #phil_mickelson
Phil Mickelson Withdraws From 2026 Masters Due to Family Health Matter Phil Mickelson has announced his withdrawal from the 2026 Masters Tournament, citing a “personal health matter” affecting his family. The three-time champion, 55, stated he will be “out for an extended period of time” and will not compete in the event, which is set to take place at Augusta National Golf Club. Mickelson shared the news on social media, declining to provide further details about the situation. His decision marks the first time since 1994 that the Masters will not feature both Mickelson and Tiger Woods, who also stepped away from the tournament following his arrest for a suspected DUI. In a full statement, Mickelson expressed his respect for the Masters, calling it “the most special week of the year,” and wished competitors the best of luck. He emphasized his commitment to returning to the sport, stating he “can’t wait to compete again” and “look forward to rejoining my teammates as soon as possible.” The absence of both Mickelson and Woods from the tournament has drawn significant attention, as the pair have been central figures in the event’s history. Woods, who has three Masters titles, confirmed his withdrawal after his arrest, while Mickelson’s absence adds to the anticipation surrounding the 2026 edition. Mickelson’s decision to step back from golf comes amid a broader context of personal challenges. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had missed the first four LIV Events due to a family matter, with his wife, Amy, needing to be present for a health issue. He made his only appearance of the season at the LIV event in South Africa, where he finished tied for 48th.#masters_tournament #augusta_national_golf_club #tiger_woods #phil_mickelson #liv_events
Phil Mickelson will not compete in Masters Tournament This year’s Masters Tournament will officially not feature Phil Mickelson. The legendary golfer, known for his remarkable career and multiple victories at Augusta National Golf Club, has announced his absence from the event. Mickelson shared the news himself on Thursday, taking to social media to explain that he will be out for an extended period due to his family’s ongoing navigation of a personal health matter. Mickelson’s decision to step away from the tournament has sparked widespread concern and well-wishes from fans and fellow athletes alike. The Masters, widely regarded as the most prestigious event in professional golf, holds a special place in Mickelson’s heart. In his social media post, he expressed deep respect for Augusta National Golf Club, emphasizing the significance of the week for both himself and the sport. The absence of Mickelson from the Masters is a notable development, given his storied history with the tournament. Over the years, he has become a household name, celebrated for his precision, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. His contributions to the sport have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple major championships. While the exact nature of his family’s health matter remains undisclosed, the golfing community has extended its support, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to competition in the future. Mickelson’s announcement has also prompted reflection on the broader implications of his absence. The Masters is not only a showcase of individual talent but also a testament to the camaraderie and traditions that define the sport. His presence has long been a source of inspiration for aspiring golfers, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans and competitors alike.#social_media #masters_tournament #augusta_national_golf_club #phil_mickelson #golfing_community
