Defending champion Phil Mickelson withdraws from PGA Championship

Defending champion Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the tournament.

The American became the oldest major winner in history last year when he won the PGA at the age of 51.

He hasn't played since February because of his comments about the golf series.

He missed the Masters for the first time in 28 years.

After he criticized the Saudi regime and sought to use his involvement with a Saudi Arabian-backed golf super league to gain leverage over the PGA Tour, his reputation was ruined.

The 156-man field for the second major of the year takes place from 19-22 May.

In a post on Twitter, the PGA of America wrote: "We have just been informed that Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the PGA Championship.

Phil is the defending champion and currently eligible to be a PGA Life Member, so we would have welcomed him to participate.

We wish Phil and Amy the best and look forward to his return to golf.