PGA Championship: Tiger Woods talks Phil Mickelson's absence amid golfer's rift with Tour

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Tiger Woods planted his flag firmly in favor of the PGA Tour Tuesday while discussing the recent controversy surrounding Phil Mickelson. 

Mickelson, 51, hasn’t played in a tournament in months after he criticized the PGA Tour and backed a Saudi-funded golf league that is set to rival the Tour. 

Just two days before the start of the PGA Championship, Woods was asked about the absence of Mickelson, who recently withdrew from the tournament despite being the defending champion and the PGA welcoming his participation. 

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In this April 14, 2019, file photo, Tiger Woods reacts as he wins the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga. Woods' appeal worldwide, particularly in Asia, remains stronger than ever after his 15th major title (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

"It’s always disappointing when the defending champion is not here," Woods told reporters in a roughly 30-minute press conference ahead of the tournament. "Phil has said some things that I think a lot of us who are committed to the Tour and committed to the legacy of the Tour have pushed back against. And he’s taken some personal time, and we all understand that."

"But I think that some of his views on how the Tour could be run, should be run, been a lot of disagreement there," Woods added. "As a professional, we miss him being out here. I mean, he’s a big draw for the game of golf. He’s just taking his time, and we all wish him the best when he comes back. Obviously, we’re going to have difference of opinions, how he sees the Tour, and we’ll go from there."

Woods admitted he hasn't talked with Mickelson since the golfer stepped away from