Tiger Woods claims he was talking to president before arrest
Tiger Woods claimed that he was “just talking to the president” on the phone prior to his DUI arrest in Florida.
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Two of the most notable golfers of the past 30 years will not compete in the 2026 Masters Tournament this week.
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have found enormous success competing in the Masters, but will not be in the field for different reasons.
Woods last won the event in 2019 but struggled to reach the top 20 since. He finished 60th during his last appearance in 2024.
Woods has competed in the tournament 26 times, winning five times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2019). He also holds the record for most consecutive cuts made at Augusta National, with 24 from 1997 to 2024.
Mickelson has made 32 appearances in the tournament, making the cut 28 times. He did miss the cut in 2025, though.
He’s won the green jacket three times (2004, 2006 and 2010), making him one of eight golfers to win the Masters at least three times. He also finished T-2 twice (2015, 2023) and third or T-3 five times (1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2012).
Here’s more on their respective absences:
Why Tiger Woods won’t compete in 2026 Masters
Woods announced that he’s stepping away from golf after he was arrested on March 27 in Florida. Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI after his car rolled on its side in a crash; he had been driving at a high rate of speed and clipped another car. The golfer was released later that evening.
Woods has not competed in a PGA Tour event since The Open Championship in July 2024. He missed three straight cuts that year.
Why Phil Mickelson won’t compete in 2026 Masters
Mickelson said he will be out for an extended period of time due to a personal health matter involving his family. No other details have since been provided.
He last competed during a LIV Golf event in South Africa back in March. He finished in a tie for 48th.
Mickleson had competed in all but one Masters since 1995, only missing the 2022 tournament.
