With the 2025 PGA Championship set to tee off at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, all eyes were expected to be on Phil Mickelson. The 54-year-old golf legend, a two-time PGA Champion and one of the most captivating figures in the sport’s history, was anticipated to make his 32nd career appearance at this major. Yet as the clock ticks down to Thursday’s opening round, there’s been one glaring absence: Mickelson himself.
Despite being listed in the field, Mickelson hasn’t been seen at the course, and fans are beginning to take notice. A post from Phil Mickelson Tracker on X stirred the pot: “Phil hasn’t touched property yet this week. Still waiting for an arrival.”
Phil hasn’t touched property yet this week. Still waiting for an arrival.
— Phil Mickelson Tracker (@TrackingPhil) May 14, 2025
That lone update, quiet but ominous, was enough to trigger a tidal wave of speculation. In the world of golf, few players generate the same kind of buzz as Mickelson—especially when he’s being uncharacteristically silent. Known for his mind games, bold strategy, and social media savvy, Mickelson’s absence feels less like a scheduling hiccup and more like the beginning of another unpredictable Phil narrative. What do fans have to say about his silence this time?
Confusion, Concern, and Confidence: Fans React to the Silence
The reactions were instant and divided. “This could be a sign of great things to come or a sign that I need to go to the corner of my room and cry. Knowing Phil though we are seeing something vintage this weekend.” This optimistic take reflects the enduring faith many fans still have in Phil Mickelson, who shocked the golf world with a historic win at Kiawah Island in 2021, becoming the oldest major winner ever. But not everyone saw the radio silence as a strategy. “Love Phil but that is just negligent.” That kind of blunt criticism suggests real concern about Mickelson’s preparation. For a man with 28 made cuts in 31 PGA starts—and someone who’s teed it up at Quail Hollow 17 times—fans expect more than mystery.
“We got word from Yarborough that Phil will not be playing holes today. Might practice later,” Phil Mickelson Tracker posted again a few hours later. This added detail did little to calm nerves. Phil’s well-known for doing things his own way, but even his most loyal backers seemed split. “I know he was there a couple days last week. This will either be a GOAT move or a goat move. I trust Phil,” a faithful fan held onto their hopes. Others are trying to figure out a reasonable explanation why: “Yikes, wonder if he’s a little sick or something.” This comment tapped into a wider question: is this absence tactical or medical? While there’s no official word, some noted his recent low-key presence at LIV events and sparse tournament play this year.
“Hate to say it but u can bet he will MC this week. Effort is not there. How can u not play some holes?” That is a pressing question. “He played it last week I heard but yep I think he’s just not motivated anymore,” another fan quipped, hopeless. Yet with Phil, the impossible often feels inevitable. He’s made a career out of defying logic—none more so than his 2021 win, which came when few thought he still had the game to contend. Phil Mickelson hasn’t missed a PGA Championship since 2022 (excluding 2022’s self-imposed hiatus) and has built one of the most iconic résumés in major championship history. But now, just hours before the first tee time, his lack of presence has become the biggest story at Quail Hollow. Is he planning a surprise splash or fading quietly into the background? Like always with Mickelson, it could go either way. And that’s exactly why fans can’t look away.
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