The 2022 PGA Championship will begin in no time. With only a few days from the PGA Tour to get its second major championship champion started, all seems to be going perfectly. However, one worry continues to linger over golf fans; last year’s champion, Phil Mickelson, will not be present at the Southern Hills to defend his title. 

“Unfortunate. Sad,” Rory McIlroy expressed his thoughts on Phil Mickelson’s absence at the Southern Hills this week. The Irish golfer explained that winning a major at 50 is an astonishing feat, and Mickelson achieved that remarkably. “It was possibly his last big, big moment in the game of golf,” he added. 

“I think he should be here this week,” McIlroy voiced his opinion. “And celebrating what a monumental achievement he achieved last year.”

Mickelson won the PGA Championship last year and made a record for being the oldest player to win a major. If he was to play at the Southern Hills this year, his title defense would’ve undoubtedly been the center of attention. 

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However, none of that will happen as Mickelson is not at the Southern Hills. Even though he had opted to play at the event, he later chose to withdraw from it. The PGA Championship authorities released a statement regarding the same on Twitter.

Mickelson had been on a hiatus since February after his controversial comments about the LIV Golf Series and PGA Tour were published online. On a break since then, he hasn’t played in a tournament, including the Masters. Notably, this was the first time Phil missed the Augusta National event since 1994. 

Tiger Woods misses Phil Mickelson at the Southern Hills!

“It’s always disappointing when the defending champion is not here,” Tiger Woods said. He further explained that Phil said things about the Tour that not all the golfers agreed with. And he has been on a break ever since. 

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“But as we all know as a professional, we miss him being out here,” Tiger further stated. “I mean, he is a big draw for the game of golf.” The 15-time major winner added that they have some differences in opinions but still wish to see Mickelson make a comeback on the Tour. 

Mickelson’s comments about the PGA Tour have dented his relationship with the Tour and its supporters. However, they still want him to make a comeback as they know what the 6-time major champion has contributed to the growth of the sport. 

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