Controversial golfer Phil Mickelson was told he was ‘not missed’ as previous champions met for dinner ahead of the PGA Championship.
The annual meal is traditionally hosted by the winner of the previous year. However, Mickelson - who became the oldest major champion when he claimed the PGA Championship title at Kiawah Island in 2021 - is absent from the upcoming event at Southern Hills.
The 51-year-old has not competed since his ill-advised comments regarding human rights in Saudi Arabia ahead of his attempt to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series. Mickelson suggested he was joining the rival tour to gain leverage in negotiations with the PGA Tour, which he referred to as a ‘dictatorship’.
