Six-time major champion set to make comeback after undisclosed 'family health matter'
Phil Mickelson is finally set to return to the golf course after confirming he was taking an indefinite break from the sport.
Following LIV Golf's 2025 season finale last August, golf legend Mickelson announced an indefinite absence from the sport due to "a family health matter".
Details of the matter are not known, but the American explained that he and his wife, Amy, had to be present.
Mickelson had initially said that he would be absent for just the first two events of the ongoing LIV season, but he has so far missed four events, in Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong and Singapore
Advert
But now his team have confirmed that he is finally set to return and compete at a LIV Golf event in South Africa this week.
No further information about what exactly caused Mickelson's break was provided, as the statement simply confirmed: "Phil returns to the lineup this week in South Africa!"
Announcing his break at the time, he wrote on social media: “I will not be able to participate in the first two LIV events as [my wife] Amy and I need to be present for a family health matter.
“I can’t wait to compete again and look forward to rejoining my teammates as soon as possible.”
The fact that The Masters, arguably the biggest competition in golf, is now just 24 days away will no doubt play a major factor in Mickelson's return.
Mickelson is in expected to make his 34th appearance at Augusta National when The Masters tees off on Thursday, April 9.
Throughout his career, the 55-year-old has claimed an iconic green jacket on three occasions, in 2004, 2006 and 2010.
And with the upcoming LIV event in South Africa the final one before the major tees off next month, Mickelson will no doubt need it to get practice in if he hopes to improve his lacklustre form at the Majors last year.
Across the four majors on the golf calendar, the American missed the cut in three, including the Masters, with his best finish being at The Open, held at Royal Portrush, where he finished tied 56th.
Likewise on the LIV Golf tour he left much to desire, finishing 24th in the individual LIV standings, placing him bottom of the Lock Zone.
In total he finished with 55.97 points, with just three top-10 finishes across the season, with a third place finish in Hong Kong his best.
Topics: Golf
Ben McCrum