Former Masters Champion Phil Mickelson Criticizes New Modifications at Augusta National

Phil Mickelson is clearly not a fan of some of the changes at Augusta National.

“Watching @TheMasters and seeing so few players long enough to go for 13 &15 now has taken away so much excitement and intrigue to the back nine,” said the three-time Masters champion on Friday, April 10, via X. “Another example of how longer isn’t always better.”

Mickelson, 55, is referring to the changes made on holes 13 and 15 in 2023, lengthening the distance from the tee box to the pin on both holes.

Both holes are considered iconic par-5 holes on the back nine of the classic course, set up in a way that gives golfers a good chance at an eagle score (two shots under par) — relative to other holes along the course, at least.

Mickelson argued that lengthening the holes (making it more difficult for golfers to score an eagle) takes away from the “excitement and intrigue” of the final stretch of the course.

“Not a single eagle putt on 13. Crazy 🤦‍♂️,” Mickelson posted.

Despite the complaint, Mickelson wasn’t totally accurate in claiming that no golfer putted for eagle on hole 13. Through the first two rounds of the tournament, five golfers scored an eagle on 13, and two more hit the score on 15.

Just before the tournament teed off, Mickelson abruptly withdrew from competition to take care of a family “personal health matter.”

“Unfortunately, I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter,” Mickelson shared via Instagram on Thursday, April 2. “I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year.”

He added, “I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.”

Mickelson also took some time off in February due to a “family health matter” and ended up missing four tournaments.

Mickelson returned to competition at LIV Golf’s South Africa event last month, his first since August 2025.

He has been married to his wife, Amy, since 1996, and the couple share three children. Both of Mickelson’s parents, Phil Sr. and Mary, are still alive.

Entering the third round of the tournament, Rory McIlroy leads the pack with a historic six stroke lead through 36 holes.

“I’ve always felt like this golf course can let you get on runs if you allow it,” McIlroy told reporters after the second round on Friday. “I knew I had some chances coming in when I was standing on the 12th tee, but I didn’t think I’d birdie six of the last seven. But it just shows what you can do around here.”

The Masters continues with the final two rounds of play on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12.