There are two storylines leading into this year PGA Championship. 

Tiger Woods – present 

Phil Mickelson – absent

Tiger Woods is playing in his second event of the season following his comeback appearance at last month’s Masters’.  

After his final round in Augusta, Woods alluded to potentially skipping the PGA Championship and playing in the Open Championship later in the summer.

However, several weeks following the Masters, it was announced that Woods had submitted his entry to PGA Championship.

Obviously an entry isn’t a forgone conclusion for competing. (See Phil below)

But after a practice round at Southern Hills several weeks following the entry any doubts of Woods not competing were removed.

To the delight of fans watching final round of last week’s ATT Byron Nelson, was interrupted by the announcement that Woods was on site at Southern Hills and ready to try for his 16th major championship.

The 2nd storyline is Phil Mickelson’s last minute withdrawal from the event.

Both Woods and Mickelson’s entries to the PGA Championship were announced at the same time. 

However, Phil has chosen to extend his exile following comments he made regarding the LIV golf tournament and the Saudi involvement in the venture.

Also missing the Masters, the PGA Championship will be the 2nd major Mickelson has avoided following his remarks.

Mickelson (51), the defending PGA champion, should of been praised this week for being the oldest major champion returning to defend his title.

Yet,  he has appropriately chosen not to be a distraction at this week.

Phil’s future on the PGA Tour is in doubt with the start of the LIV tour schedule in just a few weeks.  

The PGA Tour has revoked requests to play in the LIV event scheduled for London in a few weeks. 

A showdown is looming between the PGA Tour and the well funded rival league.