PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson's absence leaving organizers, golfers 'disappointed'

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Phil Mickelson will not be among the participants at the PGA Championship this week and his absence has "disappointed" some of the golfers and event organizers.

Seth Waugh, the CEO of PGA of America, said no one was more excited than the tour when Mickelson won the event last year in South Carolina and hoped he would come to defend the title. However, Mickelson’s comments about Saudi Arabia and reported intentions to play with the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour has roiled the PGA Tour.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Phil Mickelson walks off after missing a birdie putt at the PGA Championship on the Ocean Course, Saturday, May 22, 2021, in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

"He's not here. It's his choice. He and I have had some conversations before, during and after, and I can really say that on Friday his camp called and said he's not ready to play. Obviously we respect that. We understand it," Waugh said Tuesday, via ESPN. "We wish nothing but the best for him and Amy. He's going through a lot. I don't really have a whole lot more to say. We're disappointed he's not here, and again, wish him all the best."

Mickelson decided last weekend he wouldn’t play the major after winning it last year. He drew chaotic crowds at the PGA Championship last year in South Carolina, which frustrated Brooks Koepka and forced the PGA to apologize.

Mickelson created some controversy when his remarks about Saudi Arabia were published in an interview with author Alan Shipnuck, whose book, "Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar" is scheduled for a release this month.