The Masters Begins Without Two of Golf’s Biggest Names

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 2026 Masters will be missing two of its biggest draws, and fans are taking notice.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, two of the sport’s most iconic figures, will not compete this year. Woods continues to recover from injury, while Mickelson has stepped back from full-time competition, leaving Augusta without two names synonymous with drama, rivalry, and late-round fireworks.

Their absence isn’t just a loss for the leaderboard — it could shift television ratings and fan energy. Every year, casual viewers tune in hoping to see one of the legends chase a green jacket, and this year that storyline is gone.

Still, Augusta promises plenty of intrigue. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and other top stars will carry the narrative, but for many fans, Masters week just won’t feel quite the same without Woods and Phil.

It’s a stark reminder: even the most prestigious tournament can feel different when legends step aside.