When Phil Mickelson tees off today at the St. Jude Classic near Memphis, Tenn., it will be his first competitive round in a month. At times, he may have to swing through tears.
Mickelson has not played since his wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease was caught early, and she is not expected to undergo surgery until sometime in July. But the diagnosis has taken a toll on the family and their friends.
“I’ve never felt this emotion,” Mickelson told reporters Wednesday. “I’ll be driving alone and start crying. It’s weird.”
Their three children are camping this week with grandparents, and Amy is spending time with friends back in California. Mickelson said he does not expect Amy to be in New York next week for the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. But the golf course can serve as a sanctuary of sorts.
“I’m looking forward to the four or five hours . . . where I’ll be able to focus on something else,” he said.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
