Rory McIlroy Gets Honest About Tiger Woods' Absence at the Masters

Two of the most legendary figures at the Masters won't be present for this year's tournament after Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson both withdrew from competition.

Woods' decision to step away from the game of golf came after yet another car accident. Though he wasn't injured, the 15-time major champion revealed he would seek treatment internationally while taking time away from the sport.

Mickelson's decision stemmed from a family health issue.

Rory McIlroy Gets Honest About Absence of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

Rory McIlroy, who became just the sixth man after Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Woods to win the career grand slam by winning the 2025 Masters, lamented the absences of both Woods and Mickelson.

"Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well," McIlroy said.

"They've been two of the greatest champions that the Masters has ever seen. But it's going to be a really cool night. I can't wait. I hope everyone enjoys the dinner and enjoys everything that I've selected."

Rory McIlroy Has Full Week in Store

McIlroy will be busy this week, tending to Masters winner's duties while celebrating the event. Earlier this week he and his father, Gerry, played the course before the five-time major winner focuses on his next event: the Champions dinner.

"It is the most exclusive dinner club in all of sport, and I think we should all feel very fortunate that we are there," he told Golf Channel on Sunday. "But we're there because of the hard work and the good play that we've been able to produce."

The Masters tees off on April 9.

Related: Rory McIlroy, Wife Erica Made Big Change Before Open Championship