Legendary golfer Phil Mickelson is expected to make his long-awaited return to the golf course next week after being included on the official list of participants for the PGA Championship.
Mickelson, 55, is a six-time major winner but has played just one tournament this year while dealing with an as-yet-unspecified family health emergency. He missed the start of the LIV Golf season, returned for one tournament in South Africa in March, but then stepped away again, even pulling out of the Masters.
While no official word has been given by Mickelson yet, his presence on the official start list for the second major of the year indicates he will make his return to the course at Aronimink in Pennsylvania. GolfWeek also reported that Mickelson is 'expected' to play in the tournament, which begins next Thursday.
Mickelson is a two-time PGA Championship winner, in 2005 and 2021, and has only missed the tournament once since his debut in 1993, when he finished in a tie for 6th. He has only played once this season, in South Africa back in February.
In February, the American spoke out publicly for the first time about his family emergency, posting on X: 'I will not be able to participate in the first two LIV events as Amy (Mickelson's wife) and I need to be present for a family health matter.' In April, he took to social media again to explain his absence at Augusta National, writing: '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. I have 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.'
Mickelson and his wife Amy have three children, but no further information has been given as to the nature of the family health issue. Amy has previously battled breast cancer, with Phil suspending his golf schedule in May 2009 to support her with her treatment. She underwent major surgery and treatment and subsequently made a full recovery, being given the all-clear shortly before Phil's third Masters win in April 2010.
Mickelson's absence from the LIV Golf tour comes amid huge uncertainty over its future after Saudi Arabia's PIF announced it will cease funding in the summer. LIV is continuing to operate, but the league's long-term future is in doubt as it searches for new investors. Mickelson left the PGA Tour for the breakaway league in 2022, reportedly signing a $200 million contract, and he has operated as one of the biggest faces of LIV.
