"I want him to be here more than that" - LIV Golf pro comments on Phil Mickelson's absence

Scott Vincent appeared to indicate he would happily give up his LIV Golf spot if it meant Phil Mickelson returned. 

Mickelson, 55, has been absent for the majority of the season due to a personal matter. 

The HyFlyers captain has made just one appearance in the league this year and has also missed the first two majors of the season

Several players have stepped in for the six-time major champion, with Zimbabwe's Scott Vincent, 34, the latest to do so in Korea.  

"I think not having Phil here is a big loss, not just for the team but for everyone," Vincent said after posting a second-round 70 to move to five-under and into a share of third place.

"I think his presence is so important. I admire and look up to him so much. I've gotten to play with him one or two times and by far two of my favourite rounds as a professional.

"I really hope he gets back out here soon. It'll just be good for everyone. Of course I want to keep playing for the team, but I want him to be here more than that."

Vincent said former PGA Tour golfers Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele have stepped up to play the leadership role in Mickelson's absence. 

The HyFlyers recruited the 2025 NCAA Division 1 individual men's champion, Michael La Sasso, over the winter and the 22-year-old revealed the chance to learn from Lefty was a key reason as to why he put pen to paper on a contract.

But he has been unable to learn from Mickelson as much as he likely envisioned and the future of the league is also unclear. 

"They're doing such a good job of that," Vincent added of Tringale and Steele. 

"It's just cool to see how people kind of step into those positions, as well. [That is a] long way of saying, it would be great to have Phil back."

Where is Phil Mickelson?

Mickelson announced in February that he was taking some time away from golf to attend a private family health matter. 

He said it was his intention to miss the first two stops in Riyadh in Adelaide but also skipped their $30m tournaments in Hong Kong and Singapore. 

Mickelson returned to action in South Africa and finished in 48th place. He did not speak to media that week. 

Mickelson then decided against playing in the 2026 Masters. 

It was the first time the Masters was played without Mickelson or Tiger Woods since 1994. 

He has been relatively quiet on social media but posted a message of congratulations to Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman successfully defended the green jacket. 

Mickelson also skipped LIV's stop in Virginia two weeks ago and opted against playing in the PGA Championship. 

He famously lifted the Wanamaker Trophy aged 50 at Kiawah Island in 2021, becoming the oldest male golfer to win a major.

Is Phil Mickelson playing in the 2026 U.S. Open?

Mickelson is not in the 156-man field for the U.S. Open. 

His five-year exemption into the major has expired and Mickelson would need to qualify or get a special exemption from the USGA.

The U.S. Open is being played at Shinnecock Hills in New York for the first time since 2018. 

That year, Mickelson caused controversy by hitting a moving ball on the green. 

Mickelson defended his actions, saying he knew the action would result in a two-shot penalty. 

Some fans questioned whether it was in the spirit of the game. Mickelson later apologised.

Will Phil Mickelson play in The Open at Royal Birkdale?

Mickelson has registered for the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale but it remains to be seen whether he will tee it up at the final men's major of the year over 16-19 July. 

The aforementioned Woods did not register and will miss all four majors for the second year running.