Philip Alfred Mickelson, also known as Lefty, is an American professional golfer who was born on June 16, 1970. On the PGA Tour, he has won 45 events, including three Masters crowns (2004, 2006, and 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013).

Mickelson has become the oldest major tournament winner in history when he won the 2021 PGA Championship at the age of 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days. Mickelson is one of only 17 players in golf history to have won three of the four majors. Except for the U.S. Open, where he has come second a record six times, he has won every major.

Mickelson has been in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking for more than 25 years. He has lasted almost 700 weeks in the top ten, has a career-high world ranking of No. 2 on many occasions, and is a PGA Tour life member. Despite being naturally right-handed, he is recognized for his left-handed stroke, which he developed by copying his right-handed father’s. In 2012, he was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

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Tiger Woods About His Non Participation

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy may not identify with Phil Mickelson’s words prior to his self-imposed retirement from golf, but both admitted on Tuesday that they miss having him in the game to retain his PGA Championship title in the week.

Mickelson, who won the PGA Championship the year before just before becoming 51 and then became golf’s eldest major winner, retired from the sport in February following backlash for statements he made about a Saudi-backed golf league.

The writer of an unofficial biography claimed that the six-time major winner informed him he was willing to ignore Saudi Arabia’s human rights record in order to obtain economic influence over the PGA Tour.

Saudi Arabia’s administration has disputed allegations of human rights violations, and Mickelson later apologized for his off-the-record remarks.

During his pre-tournament media briefing at Southern Hills, Woods stated that he has not spoken with or sought out Mickelson since the comments were made public, but that he is upset that the reigning champion is not in the game.

“Phil has stated some stuff that I believe a lot of us who are loyal to the Tour and its tradition has forced back against, and he’s needed some personal time, which we all understand,” Woods said.

“However, as professionals, we all miss him having out here. He is, after all, a major draw for golf. He’s simply taking his time, and we all hope all  the luck when he returns.”

Mickelson, a Hall of Fame golfer and long-time big star, deserved a victory parade at the year’s second major, according to a former ranked number one McIlroy.

“Isn’t this a reason to rejoice? At the age of 50, he won a major title. It was likely his final major accomplishment in golf “McIlroy stated.

“He might be here this week, and I believe he should be honoring what he accomplished last year. It is regrettable. It’s sad. I’m not sure what else to say.”

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Going Through So Much

It will be the first occasion since 2008, when Woods missed the tournament due to a knee injury surgery, that the incumbent PGA Championship winner will not lead his team.

Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, said he had spoken to Mickelson “prior, during, and then after” the tournament and that it was the golfer’s decision not to prove his worth.

“I can honestly state that his team called on Friday and said he wasn’t available to compete. We obviously value that. We comprehend it “Waugh stated.

“He’s dealing with a lot right now. I’m not sure I have anything further to say. Everyone has a good understanding of it. We’re sorry he’s not even here, and we wish him the best of luck.”

Mickelson, who hasn’t participated on the PGA Tour since January, last competed in an Asian Tour event in Saudi Arabia in February and hasn’t said where or when he plans to return following his hiatus.

Several advertisers have cut connections with Mickelson or put their partnerships with him on hold.

Phil Mickelson ‘was not missed’ At The PGA Championship Annual Dinner

Mickelson wasn’t missed at the annual champions supper early this week, according to Dave Stockton, who claimed the PGA Championship in 1970 and 1976. The dinner was started attending by a dozen former PGA champions, such as Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa.

“It was an enjoyable evening. Phil was not forgotten “Stockton explained. “I believe Phil would have been a major distraction regardless of his presence. The PGA Tour is the topic of discussion this week.”

Mickelson, a six-time major winner, announced to the PGA of America on Friday that he would not contest his PGA Championship triumph, which he won at Kiawah Island in South Carolina at last year’s age of 50, making him golf’s oldest significant champion.

Mickelson hasn’t competed in a tour event since late January when he won the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol in New Jersey. His unavailability came when author Alan Shipnuck revealed his provocative remarks about the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabian funders of the breakaway LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Mickelson’s absence as the defending champion did not hold back all of the players. Tiger Woods has separated himself from his longstanding rival’s views on professional golf’s future.

Jordan Spieth stated: “The year before, he accomplished something incredible, one of the biggest achievements in the history of the game. So I simply think it’s incredibly bad that he’s not now the reigning champion. Hopefully, things will return to normal and everyone will be able to return to their previous state.”

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