The 2026 British Open at Royal Birkdale will feature no Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods or Zach Johnson after the trio declined to tee it up at the historic links.
Who’s missing from the 2026 Open?
The Open Championship’s 2026 field at Royal Birkdale is already shaping up with a mix of rising stars and established names. Yet Phil Mickelson, a six-time major winner and one of the most recognizable figures in golf, will not be among them. He joins Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, and Zach Johnson, the 2007 Open victor, in skipping the event.
Why aren’t these legends playing?
The absence of Phil Mickelson, Woods and Johnson reflects a broader trend of veteran stars curating their schedules with an eye on majors and limited starts. Mickelson, 60, has trimmed his tournament load in recent years, focusing on select PGA Tour Champions events and high-profile appearances. Woods, 50, continues to play selectively due to ongoing physical challenges, while Johnson, 54, has scaled back his worldwide schedule after a strong Champions Tour run.
What’s next for Phil Mickelson?
Mickelson’s next competitive start remains unannounced, but his focus is likely on upcoming PGA Tour Champions events and potential Ryder Cup captaincy discussions. The 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale runs from July 16–19, with defending champion Scottie Scheffler expected to defend his title after a dominant performance in 2025.