Two past PGA Championship winners have withdrawn from this year’s event.
John Daly, who won the 1991 PGA Championship, and Vijay Singh, winner of the 1998 and 2004 PGA Championships, have withdrawn from the 2020 event at TPC Harding Park.
The PGA of America revealed Singh, 57, withdrew due to an injury. The 34-time PGA Tour champion last competed Sunday during the PGA Tour Champions’ Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc, Michigan, finishing T-41 at 3 under.
Singh’s last PGA Championship appearance was in 2018 in which he made the cut and finished in 78th at 3 over.
Daly, 54, caused a stir at the 2019 PGA Championship by using a golf cart during the tournament after receiving a waiver from the PGA of America under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tiger Woods was critical of the decision as was Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch.
“It’s very awkward (to use a cart) and it’s almost to a point where it’s embarrassing,” Daly said after his first round in 2019. “I don’t want to ride all the time, but if I don’t, I won’t be able to finish. I enjoy playing and I’m still competitive. It’s not really ego, I feel committed.”
Daly finished the 2019 tournament at Bethpage Black at 11 over after 36 holes, missing the cut.
Daly withdrew due to health concerns, according to the PGA of America. The five-time PGA Tour winner also competed during Ally Challenge, finishing T-58 at even par.
Denny McCarthy will replace Daly and Emiliano Grillo will replace Singh in the PGA Championship field.
Francesco Molinari and Padraig Harrington also withdrew from the PGA Championship due to concerns over traveling to the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic. They are replaced by Troy Merritt and Talor Gooch.
The PGA Championship begins Thursday at TPC Harding Park at San Francisco with no spectators.
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