PGA Tour Winner Withdraws From The Masters To Focus On Mental Health

Aaron Wise revealed that he won't be featuring at The Masters, with the American posting the news via an Instagram story

Wise watches his wedge shot at The Players Championship
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The chance to play Augusta National is often a once in a lifetime opportunity but, some things are more important than golf and, in the case of Aaron Wise, that proves to be the case, with the 26-year-old deciding to withdraw from The Masters, just a week out, as the American is set to 'focus' on his mental health.

Wise, who was voted PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2017-18, had qualified for the first Major of the year after ranking inside the World's Top 50. However, in an Instagram story, the PGA Tour winner wrote: "Regretfully I am withdrawing from The Masters today."

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In the post, he added: "Golf is just as much a mental game as it is one of physical skill, and the mental piece of it has been a struggle for me recently. I don't take the significance of Augusta National lightly, but I know that I need to take some time away to focus on my mental health so I can get back to competing at a level I am proud of."

Along with the note, Wise also included the caption: "This hurts, but it's needed. See you all soon," with the American having not featured in a Masters event since his only appearance in 2019. That week, he finished in 17th place.

It's an extremely brave and commendable decision by Wise, especially in an environment that is as cut-throat as professional golf. Many also respected his decision, with one user commenting: "Wow, props to him for having the courage to say exactly what it was. That's a kind, brave gesture to make for folks who also might be struggling with mental health but feel embarrassed or weak by it. Just became a huge Aaron Wise fan."

Wise with AT&T Byron Nelson trophy in 2018

Wise with the AT&T Byron Nelson trophy in 2018

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Wise, who picked up his first PGA Tour title at the 2018 AT&T Byron Nelson, enjoyed one of his best seasons to date in 2021-22, as a runner-up finish at the Memorial Tournament meant he finished 13th in the FedEx Cup that year.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x