Masters 2026: Phil Mickelson fires off strong take about this change to Augusta National

Phil Mickelson isn't playing in the 2026 Masters, but that doesn't mean he's not watching.

The three-time Masters champ, who withdrew ahead of the tournament citing a family health issue, took to X to offer his take on a recent course change to 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. Another example of how longer isn’t always better."

Augusta National lengthened the iconic par 5 from 510 yards to 545 yards ahead of the 2023 Masters and it made an immediate difference.

"Not a single eagle putt on 13. Crazy," Mickelson added.

Historically, 13 plays as Augusta National's second-easiest course, only behind the par-5 second. And funny enough, Mickelson has the best record of anyone on Amen Corner's famed par 5.