GOLF
Phil Mickelson was gearing up for his favorite time of year, working his way toward Bethpage Black and another crack at the U.S. Open with a New York gallery that treats him like a rock star.
All that changed Wednesday, along with his priorities, when he disclosed that his wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mickelson is taking an indefinite leave from the PGA Tour. He withdrew from the Byron Nelson Championship, which he won in 1996. He is scheduled to defend his title next week at Colonial, but even that is uncertain.
A statement from his management company said his 37-year-old wife would have more tests, though treatment would begin with "major surgery" as early as the next two weeks.
"We see Amy as this vibrant, bubbly mother of three who is tremendously devoted to her husband and family," Jack Nicklaus said. "No one, especially Amy, deserves to have to face the battle that accompanies cancer. But we know that Amy has this amazing inner strength and spirit, and with Phil's unwavering love and support, they will fight and overcome this."
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Mickelson, a three-time major champion with 36 career PGA Tour victories, was closing in on the No. 1 ranking held by Tiger Woods.
"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."
Amy Mickelson is one of the most visible wives on the PGA Tour, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who regularly walks the course during rounds and mingles easily with fans who recognize her blonde hair and engaging smile.
They met in 1992, when Mickelson was a senior at Arizona State, a year after he won his first PGA Tour event, the Tucson Open, as an amateur.
They were married in 1996 and have three children: Amanda, 9; Sophia, 7; and Evan, 6.
THIS WEEK IN GOLF
PGA TOUR
• What: Byron Nelson Championship
• Site: Irving, Texas.
• Schedule: Today-Sunday.
• Course: TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas (7,166 yards, par 70).
• Purse: $6.5 million. Winner's share: $1,152,000.
• Television: Golf Channel (Today-Friday, noon; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.) and CBS (Saturday-Sunday, noon).
• Notable: Adam Scott won the last of six PGA Tour titles in this event last year by topping Ryan Moore on the third hole of a playoff.¬
CHAMPIONS TOUR
• What: Senior PGA Championship
• Site: Beachwood, Ohio.
• Schedule: Today-Sunday.
• Course: Canterbury Golf Club (6,895 yards, par 70).
• Purse: $2 million. Winner's share: $360,000.
• Television: Golf Channel (Today-Friday, 9 a.m.) and NBC (Saturday, noon; Sunday, 9 a.m.).
• Notable: Jay Haas won last year by closing with a 4-over 74.
LPGA TOUR
• What: LPGA Corning Classic
• Site: Corning, N.Y.
• Schedule: Today-Sunday.
• Course: Corning Country Club (6,223 yards, par 72).
• Purse: $1.5 million. Winner's share: $225,000.
• Television: Golf Channel (Today-Saturday, 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.).
• Notable: The tournament, an LPGA Tour fixture since 1979, is folding after the event.
PGA EUROPEAN TOUR
• What: BMW Championship
• Site: Virginia Water, England.
• Schedule: Today-Sunday.
• Course: Wentworth Club, West Course (7,320 yards, par 72).
• Purse: $6.04 million. Winner's share: $750,000.
• Television: Golf Channel (Today-Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.)
• Notable: Miguel Angel Jimenez beat Oliver Wilson last year on the second hole of a playoff.
The Associated Press
