by The second great championship of the year is approaching and, with it, the official list of participants of the event with the two biggest names in this sport. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are, in fact, on the official PGA of America field list, making it possible for both to be in Southern Hills next week for the 2022 PGA Championship.
Woods’ participation in the PGA Championship was speculated after the 15-time major winner was spotted in the Southern Hills two weeks ago as part of a scouting trip. By all accounts, the tour of the property was a success as he was joined by the course’s director of golf, Cary Cozby.
“Everything is so smooth with him now. His pace is great, he hit straight and pretty far, he threw and putted really well,” Cozby told Golf Oklahoma’s Ken MacLeod. “I know the guys can get over him now, but watching him work was incredible. He’s very meticulous, detailed and immersed in what he does. He was very inquisitive on the lines and the best angles.”
Woods, a four-time PGA champion, lifted the Wanamaker Trophy at Southern Hills in 2007. The 46-year-old was last seen in competition at the 2022 Masters more than a month ago, where he made the cut in impressive fashion. , but ultimately finished in 47th place with his two worst rounds at Augusta National over the weekend.
Not seen in Augusta was Mickelson, who decided to forgo the Masters for the first time in 28 years after public outcry over his comments on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. Away from competition since the Saudi International in February, the 51-year-old entering the field at Southern Hills may be even more of an impact than Woods.
Despite shying away from the spotlight, Mickelson recently held talks with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.
“He’s trying to figure out when the time is right for him.” [to reappear]’ Waugh said. Gary Williams on the “5 Clubs Conversation” podcast on the status of the six-time main winner. “I think the game is also trying to figure out the right time for him. How long is enough? And is he ready? I think it will be a late decision and I think we will continue to have conversations.”
Mickelson became the oldest major winner when he captured last year’s PGA Championship at age 50. It was unknown if he would defend his crown at Southern Hills after his agent, Steve Loy, released a statement about his upcoming game schedule on April 25.
Loy confirmed that Mickelson had registered for the US Open and the PGA Championship, as well as the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational in London from June 9-11.
“Phil currently has no concrete plans on when and where he will play,” Loy said. “Any action taken is in no way a reflection of a final decision made, but rather to keep all options open.”
With Mickelson’s name on the field for the PGA Championship, those ambiguous plans may have been cemented. A lot can change in the course of a week, but as of now, it looks like both Woods and Mickelson are scheduled to be in Southern Hills.
