Phil Mickelson reveals he missed 2026 season while seeking treatment for addiction

Mickelson missed the majority of the 2026 golf season, playing in just one LIV Golf event in South Africa and missing all four major championships, despite having exemptions for three of them.

The six-time major champion said he and his family were dealing with a "personal health matter" when he confirmed he would not play in the Masters in April.

In June, reports emerged that Mickelson had lost his membership at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, following an alleged incident involving a female employee. The club did not identify Mickelson but confirmed that an incident had occurred and that a member had been removed.

Weeks later, Ashley Perez, the former wife of fellow LIV Golf player Pat Perez, publicly accused Mickelson of a number of incidents involving lewd behaviour.

Following the publication of Perez's account, Mickelson's attorney said the golfer was in recovery with the support of his wife, Amy.

"Recovery is not a straight line. Throughout their 35-year relationship, his wife, Amy Mickelson, has supported Mr. Mickelson and their family with extraordinary grace, unwavering love and the belief that people are measured not only by their failures, but by what they do to make them right," the statement said.

"Mr. Mickelson's priority is to become the husband, father, and man his family deserves. Right now, that means giving his full attention to a private family health matter."

Mickelson has also spoken publicly in recent years about his struggles with gambling addiction.