PHIL MICKELSON WITHDRAWS FROM OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Phil Mickelson has announced his withdrawal from the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, according to reports from a fan community account on X. The announcement comes weeks after misconduct allegations emerged against the golfer. Mickelson will miss all four major championships in 2026, marking the first occasion since 2009 that he has not competed in the final men's major of the season. He has played only one event on LIV Golf this year, citing a family health emergency as the reason for his limited tournament schedule.

Mickelson won the Open Championship in 2013 at Muirfield, a victory he has described as among the most significant of his career. He stated in an interview with The Open that developing the skills to compete successfully at links golf represented the greatest challenge he faced professionally, requiring two decades of learning and practice. Mickelson arrived at Muirfield having won the Scottish Open the week prior. His 2013 victory held particular personal significance, as his wife Amy and their three children stood beside the 18th green when he completed the final putt.

The Open Championship holds special meaning for Mickelson beyond his record of major victories. Throughout his time on the professional tour, Mickelson has prioritised family commitments, notably announcing before the 1999 US Open that he would withdraw from the major should his wife enter labour. His current absence from competitive golf follows the emergence of the family health emergency that has limited his participation in tournaments this season.