Days Before the 105th PGA Championship, Unfortunate Update Strikes the Golf Community After Two Former Champions Reveal Their Decision

The PGA of America recently unveiled the field for the year’s second major, greatly delighting fans. This year’s 156-player field promises great excitement, with the biggest names in the sport making an appearance.

Two World Golf Hall of Famers, however, have now withdrawn from the competition. These two golfing greats have also won the PGA Championship in the past. So, what will the field look like in their absence? Let’s find out!

Past winners withdraw from the 2023 PGA Championship

After a highly exciting Masters in April, golf fans are now gearing up for the year’s second major tournament. From World No. 1 Jon Rahm to defending champion Justin Thomas, this year’s field is a highly competitive one. Additionally, over a dozen golfers from LIV have also been thrown into the mix.

Despite its promising field, two past winners of the event will not be teeing it up at the upcoming major. On Thursday, it was announced that Vijay Singh and Davis Love III would be a no-show at the PGA Championship this year. Love, who has won 21 times on the PGA Tour, claimed the title in 1997.  Meanwhile, Singh, one of the most decorated golfers ever, won the coveted competition twice in 1998 and 2004.

Both golfers have now been replaced, with PGA Tour’s Alex Smalley and Lee Hodges filling in. Smalley and Hodges will be making their PGA Championship debuts next week.

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But one thing that will keep the championship alive is the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf rivalry. With LIV golfers being allowed to play in the majors, given they meet the qualification criteria, the stakes of the tournament have gone up. And with LIV players like Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson showcasing marvelous performances in the Masters last month, and 12 out of the 18 qualified LIV players making the cut at Augusta, the expectations from the rival league have only risen. Will they deliver this time? Only time will tell.

Golf legend set to miss second major of the year

Love and Singh’s compatriot and golfing legend Tiger Woods is another big name whose absence from the field has served as a huge disappointment to many. Ever since his unfortunate accident in 2021, Tiger Woods has visibly struggled on the course. It was evident more than ever during his Masters appearance last month. Despite a record-tying 23rd cut at Augusta, he had to withdraw from the event unceremoniously. The golfer went on to cite his reaggravated injury as the reason behind the sudden exit.

He then underwent surgery for his troubles and is currently recuperating. Per reports, it will take quite some time for the golfer to bounce back into action, resulting in him missing out on the PGA Championship. His chances of appearing in June’s U.S. Open and July’s Open Championship also remain shrouded in mystery.

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The absence of golfing greats like Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Davis Love III is bound to disappoint fans. Regardless, the PGA vs. LIV drama at the impending major will keep everyone thoroughly entertained. So, who will you be rooting for next week? Let us know in the comments below.