Phil Mickelson steps back due to family health issues, with notable players still in contention
Category: Sports
The 2026 PGA Championship will take place from May 11 to 17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, featuring a competitive field of 154 players. The lineup includes 15 PGA Champions, 29 Major Champions, and 20 PGA of America Golf Professionals representing the Corebridge Financial Team, according to the PGA of America.
This year’s championship will see several high-profile players competing, including Ludvig Åberg, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler, who is the defending champion. The field is currently set, with two spots reserved for the winners of the Truist Championship and the Myrtle Beach Classic, which will be held just before the major.
Notably absent from the field is Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, who has withdrawn due to a "personal health matter with his family." Mickelson had previously missed the Masters in early April for the same reason. His withdrawal allows Max Homa to step into the updated field for the championship. Mickelson expressed his disappointment, stating, "I wish I could. I can’t unfortunately," indicating uncertainty about his return to competitive golf.
Another prominent player missing from the roster is Tiger Woods, who is believed to be undergoing treatment in Switzerland following a DUI arrest in March. Woods has not participated in a major since the 2024 British Open, and his absence has been anticipated.
The PGA Championship will mark the first time Aronimink Golf Club has hosted the event since 1962. This historic venue is expected to provide a challenging layout for the competitors, as it has done in the past.
The PGA Championship is one of golf's four major championships and has a storied history, dating back to its inception in 1916. This year’s event is particularly notable as it returns to Aronimink Golf Club, which has previously hosted prestigious tournaments, including the 1972 PGA Championship won by Gary Player.
The tournament structure allows for a mix of established stars and rising talents, with the inclusion of special invitations. This year, 33 players received such invitations, primarily drawn from the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Notable inclusions are Andy Sullivan, Angel Ayora, and Billy Horschel, among others, who have been granted entry to compete alongside the elite.
The competition is expected to be fierce, especially with the presence of LIV Golf players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, who received a special invitation to participate. Johnson, a two-time major champion, expressed his excitement at being included, stating, "I want to play in all the majors. I feel like my game is still good enough to compete with everyone and still can win." His participation adds an intriguing dynamic, as he has been a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the LIV Golf series.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation continues to build around the potential for exciting matchups and dramatic moments on the course. The last-minute spots reserved for the winners of the Truist Championship and the Myrtle Beach Classic could bring additional excitement, as these players will have a chance to secure their place in the championship.
The PGA of America has also made efforts to maintain a competitive and high-caliber field by ensuring that players who have performed well in the past year are included. This approach enhances the quality of the tournament and ensures that fans can expect to see some of the best talent in the sport.
With the tournament set to begin May 11, attention will turn to Aronimink Golf Club as players prepare to compete for one of golf’s most coveted titles. The absence of Mickelson and Woods has opened the door for other players to shine, making this year’s championship particularly unpredictable.
As the countdown to the championship continues, the golf community eagerly awaits the action that will take place at Aronimink, where history will be made once again.