GOLF legend Phil Mickelson announced he will miss this year’s Masters due to a family health matter.
Mickelson, 55, will be absent from the tournament, which runs from April 9 to 12, for only the fourth time since his debut in 1991.
The three-time champion added that he will step away from golf “for an extended period of time” due to the “personal health matter”, which he decided not to disclose.
Mickelson tweeted: “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.”
Golf fans took to social media to reach out to Mickelson and wish him the best with some touching messages.
One fan tweeted: “See you soon Phil, be strong.”
Another commented: “Wishing nothing but rapid recovery for whoever is dealing with health issues at this time.”
A third wrote: “Much respect Phil and proud you put family and health over golf.”
This fan said: “Sad day for the golf world.”
That one added: “Respect for the man who puts his family first!!! Best wishes.”
A comment read: “As they say, health is wealth. Do take care of yourself.”
And another fan posted: “Sorry to read this. Masters is not the same without you.”
This will be the first time since 1994 that both Mickelson and Tiger Woods will not feature in the Masters.
Woods, 50, was arrested on Friday after crashing his vehicle into a pick-up truck and rolling his SUV in Florida.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office also cited the 15-time Major winner for reckless driving, which comes with a $163 fine.
Newly-released bodycam footage shows Tiger failing a field sobriety test and falling asleep in a cop car after his DUI arrest.
The golf legend spent eight hours in jail after he was booked and charged with a DUI, causing damage to property and refusal to submit to a urine test.
After the arrest, Woods said he was “stepping away for a period of time”.
Woods was later released on bail and will appear in court on or before April 17.
