What Happened to Philip Alfred Mickelson?
Phil Mickelson is an American professional golfer, renowned for his six major championship wins and his distinctive left-handed swing. After a storied career on the PGA Tour, he became one of the most prominent figures to join the controversial LIV Golf League in 2022, a move that reshaped his public image and professional trajectory. As of March 2026, Mickelson has returned to competitive play on the LIV Golf circuit after a brief absence due to a family health matter.
Quick Answer
Phil Mickelson, the six-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, is currently competing in the LIV Golf League. As of March 19, 2026, he is making his season debut at LIV Golf South Africa, having missed the first four events due to a family health matter. Mickelson, now 55, continues his career with LIV Golf, a move he made in 2022 that sparked significant controversy and led to a departure from the PGA Tour and loss of several sponsors. He remains a prominent, albeit polarizing, figure in professional golf.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Turns Professional
After a successful collegiate career at Arizona State University, Phil Mickelson turns professional.
Wins First Major at The Masters
Mickelson secures his long-awaited first major championship, winning the Masters Tournament by one stroke over Ernie Els.
Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame
Recognizing his significant achievements in golf, Mickelson is inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Wins The Open Championship
Mickelson captures his fifth major title and first Open Championship at Muirfield, completing a rare Scottish Open-Open Championship double.
SEC Insider Trading Settlement
Mickelson settles an insider trading case with the SEC, agreeing to repay over $1 million.
Becomes Oldest Major Champion at PGA Championship
At 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days, Mickelson wins his second PGA Championship, becoming the oldest major winner in golf history.
Controversial Comments on Saudi Arabia and PGA Tour Published
Comments Mickelson made about the Saudi regime's human rights record and using LIV Golf as leverage against the PGA Tour are published, leading to significant backlash and a temporary withdrawal from golf.
Joins LIV Golf League
Mickelson officially announces his defection to the LIV Golf League, becoming one of its most high-profile players and a team captain.
Surprise Runner-Up Finish at The Masters
Despite his move to LIV Golf, Mickelson delivers a strong performance at the Masters, finishing in a tie for second place at age 52.
Controversial Ryder Cup vs. LIV Team Win Statement
Mickelson states that winning a LIV Golf team event would mean more to him than a Ryder Cup for Team USA, drawing criticism.
Allegations of Leaking Offshore Company Info
A report alleges Mickelson shared material non-public information about an oil startup, which he denies, citing his caution due to past history.
Misses Start of LIV Golf Season Due to Family Health Matter
Mickelson announces he will miss the initial events of the 2026 LIV Golf season due to a private family health matter.
Returns to Competition at LIV Golf South Africa
After missing four events, Phil Mickelson makes his 2026 season debut at LIV Golf South Africa, expressing excitement to rejoin his team.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Phil Mickelson, often affectionately known as 'Lefty,' has carved out one of the most illustrious and, at times, controversial careers in professional golf. Born in San Diego, California, Mickelson turned professional in 1992 and quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his aggressive style of play and daring short game. His career highlights include 45 PGA Tour victories and six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013). His 2021 PGA Championship win at age 50 made him the oldest major champion in golf history.
A significant turning point in Mickelson's career came in 2022 when he became a leading figure in the exodus of players to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. This decision followed a period of controversy, including comments in February 2022 where he acknowledged the Saudi regime's human rights record but stated he was willing to overlook it to gain leverage against the PGA Tour. These remarks led to widespread criticism, a temporary hiatus from the sport, and the loss of major sponsors like KPMG and Workday. Despite the backlash, Mickelson officially joined LIV Golf in June 2022, becoming captain of the HyFlyers GC team.
Since joining LIV Golf, Mickelson has continued to be a vocal proponent of the league, often drawing further controversy with his statements. In March 2025, he faced criticism for suggesting that winning a LIV Golf team event would mean more to him personally than a Ryder Cup for Team USA. Later in November 2025, he was embroiled in allegations of sharing material non-public information about an oil startup with investors, which he denied, citing his past settlement with the SEC in 2016 for an insider trading case.
As of early 2026, Mickelson's career continues with LIV Golf. He missed the first four events of the 2026 season due to an undisclosed family health matter, leading to speculation about his future participation, including in the upcoming Masters. However, his team, HyFlyers GC, confirmed his return to competition for the LIV Golf South Africa event, which commenced on March 19, 2026. Mickelson, who will turn 56 in June 2026, expressed his excitement to be back competing. His 2025 season showed an encouraging upturn in form, finishing 24th in LIV Golf points and securing a solo third-place finish in Hong Kong. However, 2026 marks the first year he is not exempt into the U.S. Open, requiring him to qualify or seek a special exemption if he wishes to pursue the career Grand Slam.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Philip Alfred Mickelson made different choices?