Phil Mickelson quits PGA Championship days after Greg Norman’s Saudi remark

Phil Mickelson has sensationally quit on the eve of his comeback as scandal continues to swirl surrounding his support for Greg Norman.

Reigning champion Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from next week’s PGA Championship

The PGA of America announced on Mickelson’s decision in a statement on Saturday (AEST) where is stressed the 51-year-old was welcome to compete despite the recent backlash against him following his comments about Saudi Arabia.

The American left-hander became the oldest major winner in golf history last year when he won the PGA at Kiawah Island for his sixth career major title.

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But he has not played since January after the February release of controversial comments supporting the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series that debuts next month.

“We have just been informed that Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the PGA Championship,” the PGA of America said in a statement.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.”

Mickelson and Tiger Woods were earlier this week both announced to the in the field for the PGA Championship.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the 2018 Masters. Photo by Andrew Redington / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP.

It makes Mickelson’s withdrawal even more intriguing.

Mickelson described the Saudi financial backers of the LIV series as “scary” with a “horrible record on human rights” but said he was willing to deal with them in order to gain leverage to “reshape” the US PGA Tour.

“They’re scary mother [expletive] to get involved with,” Mickelson said.

“We know they killed [Washington Post reporter Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.”

Mickelson subsequently apologised for the comments and announced he was taking some “desperately needed time away” from golf.

Phil Mickelson won’t defend his major. Photo by Donald MIRALLE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP.

The situation unravelled further this week with the LIV series being further rejected as a result of comments by Aussie golf legend Greg Norman, who is heading the new multimillion-dollar tour.

Norman batted away concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by saying “we’ve all made mistakes” as he defended his new money-spinning golf tour.

The comment has sparked international outrage.

US reports said Monday that Mickelson has held talks with PGA of America officials about his schedule but has not decided whether he would defend his title.

“I think he’s trying to figure out when the right time is for him,” PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh told the “5 Clubs Conversations” podcast.

“I think the game is trying to figure out the right time for him, too. How long is enough? And is he ready mentally and physically to do it?”

The LIV Golf series that opens in London next month plans eight events this year, four at US venues, but no names of players have been revealed.

The US PGA Tour said earlier this week it had refused all requests by tour members to play in the LIV London event, which will be played opposite the US PGA’s Canadian Open.