The second major week of the season, PGA Championship week has arrived and the best players in the world will gather in Southern Hills to try to succeed Phil Mickelson. The American left-hander, the oldest major winner, will however not be present to defend his title, having decided to withdraw.

Southern Hills, host of the 2022 PGA Championship – via Twitter @PGAChampionship

Southern Hills, host of the 2022 PGA Championship – via Twitter @PGAChampionship

Major weeks are arguably the most anticipated of the year for players, fans and viewers around the world: that's it, it's time for the PGA Championship. The Southern Hills Country Club is hosting the PGA Championship this year, the last time this major came to Tulsa was in 2007… when Tiger Woods won. The Tiger will also be present this week to the delight of the golf world. The organizers have also concocted a star party for him: he will be associated with Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.

After making a new comeback last April during the Masters, his first tournament after his accident, the Tiger is back this week and he says he "feels better than in April". He had made us dream during the first round of the Augusta National by playing under par, and this Tulsa course where he has already won, could be less restrictive for his leg, with less elevation than in the state from Georgia.

His partners from the first two rounds will not be here to make up the numbers. Rory McIlroy, after his second place at the Masters is looking for his first major in seven years, it was during the 96th PGA Championship. Jordan Spieth is still looking to complete his grand slam and he could do it as soon as this week. The former world number 1 arrives full of confidence remaining on a victory and a second place in his last two tournaments.

Phil Mickelson will not be present this week to defend his title. Having become the oldest major winner last year at Kiawah Island, Lefty finally withdrew from the tournament a few days before the start of the event.

For the first time since 2013, no French will participate in the event. The first Frenchman in the world ranking is Julien Brun, in 152nd place, still too far to claim a ticket during this major. The best French performance remains a seventh place by Victor Dubuisson during the 2014 edition.

Among the World Top 100, only Sungjae Im, Paul Casey, Harris English and Phil Mickelson will be missing.

Scottie Scheffler will return to a tournament for the second time with his status as World No. 1 and Masters Tournament Champion. He will be associated with his pursuers in the world ranking, Jon Rahm (2nd) and Collin Morikawa (3rd). Part to follow…

To find the starts of the first round of the PGA Championship: click here.

By Baptiste Laurensou.

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