Phil Mickelson will return to action at LIV Golf South Africa after missing the opening stretch of the 2026 season. The six-time major champion will make his first appearance of the year at the tournament in Johannesburg, marking a long-awaited comeback.
Mickelson Set For First Start of the 2026 Season
Mickelson’s return comes after he stepped away from the early part of the season due to a private family health matter. The absence kept him out of the first four events on the LIV schedule, including tournaments in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. However, the 55-year-old is ready to tee it up again as LIV Golf heads to Africa for the first time in its short history.
Keep Reading: LIV Golf to Host First Event in South Africa
The HyFlyers GC captain will make his season debut at the South Africa event. His team has also confirmed the news on social media with a message announcing that the American was returning to the lineup. The tournament tees off this week at The Club at Steyn City. LIV Golf’s 2026 schedule includes tournaments across several countries, and South Africa is one of the new destinations added to the calendar.
How Mickelson Stepped Aside For Family Reasons
Mickelson announced earlier this year that he was going to miss the opening events of the 2026 season due to family health concerns. He was initially expected to sit out only the first couple of tournaments, but his absence stretched to four events as the situation required more time away from the course. During that period, reserve players filled the HyFlyers lineup while their captain stayed away from the tour. The extended break led to speculation about when he would return, especially with the golf season beginning to pick up momentum.
The timing of his return could be important for his standing in the league. The 55-year-old has fallen behind in the individual standings after missing several tournaments and will need strong performances in the coming events to move up the rankings. LIV Golf operates with a points system across the season, and players who finish near the bottom of the standings risk losing their guaranteed place in the league the following year.
Mickelson has served as captain of HyFlyers GC since joining the Saudi-backed league in 2022. One of the defining features of LIV Golf is the team-based structure, where players compete both individually and as part of four-man teams. The 55-year-old’s comeback is also timely, with several major tournaments approaching as the season enters its busiest period. Despite being a LIV Golf player, Mickelson still retains eligibility for some majors, including The Masters Tournament, which he has won three times.
