Phil Mickelsonhas “dropped out” of next weekend’s PGA Championship at Southern Hills, continuing his “sabbatical from golf.” The announcement is “somewhat of a surprise” as Mickelson is the reigning PGA champ. However, following the publication of controversial comments related to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and the PGA Tour in February, Mickelson has “remained out of the public’s eye.” That furlough will now "replace what should have been a ceremonial victory lap” at Southern Hills. Mickelson’s decision to skip the tournament is the "first time a PGA champion has not defended his title” since ’08 (GOLFDIGEST.com, 5/13).
