Phil Mickelson will not compete in the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, marking the first time in his professional career he has missed all four major championships in a single season. The six-time major winner did not qualify for this year’s field, according to reports from Golf Digest.
Why Phil Mickelson Is Missing the 2024 Majors
Mickelson’s absence from the 2024 major circuit stems from a combination of falling world rankings and the expiration of past exemptions. As a former winner of the Masters, PGA Championship, and The Open, Mickelson previously held long-term exemptions into these events. However, those windows have closed.
According to Golf Digest, Mickelson’s five-year exemption for winning the 2021 PGA Championship expired following the 2023 season. Furthermore, his current standing in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) did not earn him an invitation to the Masters, the U.S. Open, or the PGA Championship.
Professional Standing and Recent Allegations
While Mickelson’s career on the course has transitioned to the LIV Golf circuit, his reputation has faced scrutiny due to recent public allegations. In 2024, reports emerged involving accusations of past misconduct.
According to CBS Sports, the ex-wife of Pat Perez accused Mickelson of lewd behavior during a 2015 incident. The allegations include claims that Mickelson sent a nude photograph to the woman and propositioned her via text message. These reports, which also appeared in Fox News, allege a pattern of inappropriate communication directed at the woman. Mickelson has not publicly addressed these specific allegations in detail, and they remain a point of contention regarding his professional conduct outside of tournament play.
Historical Context of Major Exemptions
Mickelson’s career trajectory highlights the shifting landscape of professional golf eligibility. For decades, major championships relied on a mix of world rankings and historical exemptions to populate their fields.
| Tournament | Qualification Status |
|---|---|
| The Masters | Lifetime exemption for winners |
| PGA Championship | Five-year exemption for winners (Expired) |
| U.S. Open | Ten-year exemption for winners (Expired) |
| The Open | Exemption for winners |
While Mickelson remains eligible for The Open Championship due to his 2013 victory at Muirfield, his failure to qualify for the 2024 iteration underscores the difficulty veteran players face when relying on limited tour participation.
What Happens Next for Mickelson?
With the 2024 major season concluded, attention turns to whether Mickelson can regain entry into the 2025 fields. Without a change in the current OWGR structure or an invitation from tournament committees, Mickelson’s path to the majors is restricted. His future participation remains dependent on his ability to meet specific performance benchmarks or receive special exemptions from the governing bodies of each major, should they choose to offer them to past champions.