[Golf Topic] Mickelson "Giving Up PGA Championship Title Defense"... 'Participating in Saudi LIV Golf Series?'

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…Phil Mickelson (USA, photo) has decided to forgo defending his second major PGA Championship title of the season.

The PGA Tour announced on the 14th (Korean time), "Mickelson has informed us that he will not participate in the upcoming PGA Championship next week." Although he had applied to participate in the PGA Championship at the end of last month, he suddenly changed his stance. The reason for his withdrawal has not been disclosed. The PGA Championship will be held over four days starting from the 19th in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. Mickelson became the first-ever major champion in his 50s at this tournament last year.

It is unusual for a defending champion in a major tournament to give up the title defense without a clear reason. In the history of the PGA Championship, there have only been two cases of defending champions not participating: Ben Hogan in 1949 and Tiger Woods in 2008 (both from the USA), and both players had clear reasons for withdrawal due to injury. Across all major tournaments, Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) also missed The Open in 2015 due to injury.

Mickelson will miss the PGA Championship following the Masters in April, which was the first major of the year. The last tournament Mickelson participated in was the Saudi International held on the Asian Tour in February. Mickelson faced difficulties after supporting the LIV Golf Series, led by Saudi Arabian capital, and criticizing the PGA Tour. He later issued an official apology and announced a temporary hiatus from tournaments, stating he would take some time for self-reflection.

The PGA Championship was expected to be Mickelson's comeback stage, but by reversing his decision to participate, fans' attention has intensified regarding his next move. The Golf Channel in the USA predicted, "Mickelson's next tournament could be the LIV Golf Series opener held in London, UK, in June," adding, "Mickelson has requested permission from the PGA Tour to participate in this tournament." The PGA Tour has refused the participation applications of Mickelson and other players.