Defending champion Phil Mickelson withdrew from the PGA Championship, the tournament announced Friday, extending the star’s absence after he came under fire for comments supporting a breakaway circuit financed by the Saudi Arabian government.
“We have just been informed that Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the PGA Championship,” the tournament wrote in a statement. “Phil is the defending champion and currently eligible to be a PGA Life Member and we would have welcomed him to participate. We wish Phil and Amy the very best and look forward to his return to golf.”
