The Open - Mickelson withdraws from Open

Eurosport - Sat, 11 Jul 14:27:00 2009

World number two Phil Mickelson has officially withdrawn from next week's Open in order to be with his wife Amy as she undergoes breast cancer treatment.

GOLF Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy talk during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semi-final playoff between LA Lakers and Houston Rockets on May 12, 2009. Mickelson has suspended playing after wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer - 0

The American left-hander had been expected to pull out of the July 16-19 championship at Turnberry.

"As a professional golfer, competing in major championships and winning them is my main objective," he told his website.

"But I've always said family is my number one priority. For that reason I won't be playing the Open at Turnberry."

Mickelson, who revealed at last month's US Open that his appearance in the second Major of the season in New York would probably be his last competitive outing until August, continues to be optimistic about his wife's recovery.

"It's a trying time for us as we await more test results but we have excellent medical attention and care," he said.

"We've received wonderful support from so many people, many of whom have gone through the same battle, and we're optimistic, as always."

Reuters

Comment 5 - 24 of 24

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  1. WELL DONE PHIL, A PROPER GENTLEMAN. IT MUSTN'T BE­ AN EASY DESCISION TO TURN YOUR BACK ON SUCH A­ PRESTIGEOUS EVENT BUT FAMILY MUST AND ALWAYS COMES­ FIRST ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE....... YOU HAVE MADE THE­ RIGHT DESCISION, THE OPEN (AND GOLF) WILL ALWAYS BE­ THERE.

    THE VERY BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND ALL OF YOUR­ FAMILY.

    GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

    From omegaexecutive, on Sat 11 Jul 11:56AM

  2. point 23, this Donny is not a Scot, he from down south­ so really enough said!!

    From Gary S, on Sat 11 Jul 11:23AM

  3. Donney, Donney, Donney...
    As Patriotic a Scot as I am,­ this interminable compulsion to communicate the­ Scots' vernacular phonetically is mystifying and­ very, very tedious.

    From helpmaboab, on Sat 11 Jul 11:16AM

  4. I have never met Phil, nor am I ever likely to, but I­ have seen him compete many, many times on TV and have­ always been struck by his integrity, humility and just­ the fact that he is an all round good guy.

    The fact­ that he has withdrawn from the Open to be with his wife­ at this difficult time is no surprise to me, and as­ well as Phil, I wish his wife and family well.

    The­ Open may be a lesser tournament this year without Phil­ - but sometimes there are more important things in­ life. I look forward to seeing Phil and his wife at St­ Andrews next year. Wouldn't it be fitting if he won­ it and Amy was there to see it?

    All the best to Amy­ and Phil.

    From Andrew, on Sat 11 Jul 11:02AM

  5. Good luck to both your wife and mother Phil, this will­ be the best win in your life WHEN both pull through,

    From Gary S, on Sat 11 Jul 10:33AM

  6. Best wishes to Phil and Amy during these difficult­ times. Phil has proved himself to be not only a TRUE­ CHAMPION but a man who understands the true meaning of ­ partneship. Amy and your Mum will be far stronger and­ able to cope better with the fight ahead with you by­ their side

    When you have won these battles you will­ become a golf champion again, and I am sure will win­ the Open Championship in the years to come

    From cgrundy61, on Sat 11 Jul 10:25AM

  7. phil you must be very worried for your wife but you are­ a champion with us and you must be the biggest ­ champion with your wife hope she gets better very soon­ and we see you playing again quickly god bless

    From philip d, on Sat 11 Jul 10:17AM

  8. You are one big "class act ". Michael C.

    From Michael C, on Sat 11 Jul 9:52AM
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    For those of you still struggling with understanding­ Scottish, I would be happy to translate "AVARYWAN­ AS A STUPAD­ CANT" for all of you .

    From marcelluslord, on Sat 11 Jul 9:06AM
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    CHERS MARCEL BYE GLOD TAY SEES NAT AVARYWAN AS A STUPAD­ CANT.

    From Donney, on Sat 11 Jul 8:24AM

  11. In defence of DONNEY : # 4.This is not a stupid­ comment.

    It translates as "my best wishes to all­ of Phil's family at this difficult time"

    This­ is how to speak north of the border.Quite interesting­ really, if you are patient enough to sound out decipher­ and sound out the words.

    From marcelluslord, on Sat 11 Jul 7:16AM

  12. good luck

    From Imort, on Sat 11 Jul 5:23AM

  13. Phil, you are a champion on and off the golf course. ­ :)) Best wishes for Amy's recovery to full health.

    From mrrolexsa, on Sat 11 Jul 4:58AM

  14. Good luck mate.
    Donney is a @#$%! Someone remove his­ stupid post

    From Jon, on Sat 11 Jul 2:38AM

  15. Phil,I along with thousands of other European golf fans­ have enjoyed the many battles you and the fine American­ teams have provided during Ryder Cup years.Your­ situation with Amy,however,far outweighs any sporting­ arena in terms of importance.I am sure there are many­ occasions in the past I've willed you to miss a­ putt,pull a tee shot,find the rough etc.At this­ time,however,I'm sure I speak for fans worldwide­ when I'm pulling for you in every way I can.A­ family's health transcends all barriers,sporting or­ otherwise.Good luck to you all,we want to see you,and­ your lovely wife present at many more golfing events­ for years to come.You are a thoroughly decent man,I­ wish for you and your family nothing but the best.

    From kopite_p, on Fri 10 Jul 11:59PM

  16. best wishes to pm and his wife and family as they­ battle this horrible disease.Illness like this puts­ sport and life in general into perspective.Your health­ is your wealth.Good luck and god bless

    From Fergal, on Fri 10 Jul 11:32PM

  17. all my best to you both . never give in .

    From William S, on Fri 10 Jul 10:58PM
  18. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    @#$%

    From eric m, on Fri 10 Jul 10:23PM

  19. I want a British victory again, but I would like to see­ PM win our Open one day.

    Good luck, Mr and Mrs M.

    From damlf, on Fri 10 Jul 10:16PM

  20. who the f... is gillianhood66and what kind of­ b......... are you guys of eurosport let him write when­ we talk about a mans wife that has­ cancer????????????????????????
    christos

    From boufesis, on Fri 10 Jul 10:08PM
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