Phil Mickelson, a prominent figure in professional golf, is absent from the LIV Golf event at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, continuing his break from the tour due to a "family health matter" he announced in April. Mickelson has participated in only one LIV Golf event this year.
Scott Vincent has replaced Mickelson on the HyFlyers GC roster for the New York tournament. Teammate Brendan Steele expressed the team's sentiment, stating, "obviously we want Phil here." Steele added that while Vincent has been a strong substitute, he "speaks with Mickelson here and there" and declined to provide details on how winnings are distributed in Mickelson's absence, emphasizing well wishes for his health and happiness.
Another teammate, Lee Westwood, noted that Mickelson's absence is impactful. "Obviously, Phil is a big draw. He has a lot of fans," Westwood said. "He would attract more fans to any tournament he played in. There’s certain people over the years that’s moved the needle, and Phil is one of them." Mickelson's absence comes at a critical time for LIV Golf, as the league navigates ongoing questions about its long-term viability despite securing new investment. The situation is compounded by recent media reports detailing allegations of inappropriate conduct by Mickelson at golf clubs.
In June, Golf Digest reported that Mickelson was asked to leave a country club following accusations of "nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact" with a club employee. Skratch also published an account later that month alleging a pattern of inappropriate behavior.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend parts of the LIV Golf New York event at his Bedminster club. The White House previously confirmed his attendance, and Secret Service agents were observed on the grounds during the tournament's second round. Trump had also attended a LIV Golf event in Virginia in May.
The LIV Golf New York tournament is one of the final events on the league's current calendar.
Mickelson waits to drive on the seventh hole of the LIV Golf Bedminster tournament on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Brendan Steele of the United States looks on from the 12th tee box during day two of LIV Golf New York at Trump National Golf Club on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
