Despite what looked like some on-course controversy five-time Major Champion Phil Mickelson defended the decision to call Rory McIlroy and Bernd Wiesberger through on the final hole of the PGA Championship.

Mickelson and playing partner Rickie Fowler teed off the 18th hole but with McIlroy and Wiesberger on the tee, the American pair then moved to the side of the 18th fairway to allow McIlroy and the Austrian tee off.

But then when up near the green Mickelson looked to be in conversation with a PGA of America official before then also allowing McIllroy and Wiesberger to also play up to the green.

However after finishing just a shot behind McIlroy on 15-under par Mickelson defended the decision saying:  “It’s not a big deal either way.  They had a chance to finish it was no big deal.

“We have done that in the past and with the light fading so quickly it was good that they didn’t have to come back in the morning.  So we had no problem calling  them up.”

And Fowler also agreed with the move remarking:  “We were cool with hitting the tee shot.  We weren’t expecting the approach shots.

“Typically if it’s getting dark and they are going to below the horn, you at least get the guys off the tee and it gives them the opportunity to play.

“We weren’t expecting the approach shots.  So however you look at it.  It is what it is.

“Obviously Rory played great this week, and he’s been a deserving champion last three tournaments.

“He’s playing quite good right now.  Best player in the world, hands down.  We’ll see if we can sneak one away from him at some point.”