Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson Will Miss the 2026 PGA Championship
The PGA of America unveiled its official entry list for the 2026 PGA Championship on Tuesday, confirming that two of golf’s most iconic figures—Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson—will not be teeing off at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia from May 14‑17.
Reasons Behind Their Withdrawals
Woods’ absence continues a pattern that began after his March arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. Reports indicate he is enrolled in a private treatment program in Switzerland, a step he has taken to focus on his health and recovery. USGA CEO Mike Whan told Sports Illustrated he would be “super surprised” if Woods agreed to play at the U.S. Open in June (Whan, 2026).
Mickelson, meanwhile, is stepping away from competition to address a personal health matter involving his family. He has already missed the Masters and all but one LIV Golf event this season, and on Tuesday he announced his official retirement from the PGA Championship field. Mickelson’s representatives cited the need to prioritize family well‑being over tournament play.
Field Adjustments and Notable Additions
With Woods and Mickelson out, the PGA of America moved quickly to fill the vacancies. Max Homa, who finished 60th at the 2025 PGA Championship, was added as the first deputy after a strong showing at the Masters (T‑9). Homa’s recent form earned him a spot despite not otherwise qualifying for the 2026 championship.
The field also received a special invitation for Dustin Johnson, a two‑time major champion who has competed primarily on LIV Golf in recent years. Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting his longstanding relationship with the PGA of America:
“I’m definitely really looking forward to playing… I’m very, very grateful that they invited me. And I’m very honored.”
Dustin Johnson, PGA Championship press release, 2026
Johnson will be attempting to extend his streak of consecutive major appearances to 69 years, a testament to his durability and commitment to the sport.
Historical Context and What It Means for the Tournament
The 2026 PGA Championship will feature 15 former PGA champions and the traditional contingent of 20 PGA American professional instructors. After accounting for deputies and reserves, the initial field sits at 154 players, with two final spots reserved for the winners of this week’s Truist Championship and Myrtle Beach Classic, should they not already qualify.
Historically, the absence of Woods and Mickelson from a major is rare. Both players have collectively amassed 15 major titles and have been constants in the sport’s narrative for over two decades. Their simultaneous non‑participation marks the second consecutive major in 2026 without either star, following their earlier omission from the U.S. Open.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Majors and Player Outlook
While Woods’ immediate focus remains on his rehabilitation, Mickelson has indicated he will continue to manage his family health situation before considering a return to competitive golf. Both players have expressed a desire to return to the course when circumstances allow, though timelines remain uncertain.
For the rest of the field, the PGA Championship presents an opportunity to capitalize on the opened leaderboard. Emerging talents like Homa and seasoned veterans such as Johnson will aim to leverage the absence of the sport’s biggest names to secure a prestigious victory and valuable FedExCup points.
As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike will watch how the evolving dynamics influence competition, storylines, and the broader landscape of professional golf.
