Phil Mickelson is clearly not a fan of among the changes at Augusta National.
“Watching @TheMasters and seeing so few players long enough to go for 13 &15 now has taken away a lot excitement and intrigue to the back nine,” said the three-time Masters champion on Friday, April 10, via X. “One other example of how longer isn’t at all times higher.”
Mickelson, 55, is referring to the changes made on holes 13 and 15 in 2023, lengthening the space from the tee box to the pin on each holes.
Each holes are considered iconic par-5 holes on the back nine of the classic course, arrange in a way that offers golfers likelihood at an eagle rating (two shots under par) — relative to other holes along the course, at the least.
Mickelson argued that lengthening the holes (making it tougher for golfers to attain an eagle) takes away from the “excitement and intrigue” of the ultimate stretch of the course.
“Not a single eagle putt on 13. Crazy 🤦♂️,” Mickelson posted.
Despite the criticism, Mickelson wasn’t totally accurate in claiming that no golfer putted for eagle on hole 13. Through the primary two rounds of the tournament, five golfers scored an eagle on 13, and two more hit the rating on 15.
Phil Mickelson plays a bunker shot in the course of the LIV Golf South Africa March 20, 2026 Johan Rynners/Getty Images
Just before the tournament teed off, Mickelson abruptly withdrew from competition to handle a family “personal health matter.”
“Unfortunately, I is not going to play within the Masters Tournament next week and will probably be out for an prolonged time frame as my family continues to navigate a private health matter,” Mickelson shared via Instagram on Thursday, April 2. “I actually have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is unquestionably essentially the most special week of the yr.”
He added, “I wish everyone the most effective of luck and will probably be watching.”
Mickelson also took some time without work in February as a consequence of a “family health matter” and ended up missing 4 tournaments.
Mickelson returned to competition at LIV Golf’s South Africa event last month, his first since August 2025.
He has been married to his wife, Amy, since 1996, and the couple share three children. Each of Mickelson’s parents, Phil Sr. and Mary, are still alive.
Entering the third round of the tournament, Rory McIlroy leads the pack with a historic six stroke lead through 36 holes.
“I’ve at all times felt like this golf course can allow you to get on runs in the event you allow it,” McIlroy told reporters after the second round on Friday. “I knew I had some possibilities coming in after I was standing on the twelfth tee, but I didn’t think I’d birdie six of the last seven. But it surely just shows what you’ll be able to do around here.”
The Masters continues with the ultimate two rounds of play on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12.