Mickelson plans PGA TOUR return at St. Jude Classic

Jun. 1, 2009
By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM Chief of Correspondents

Phil Mickelson plans to return to competition on the PGA TOUR next week, sources close to the world's No. 2 golfer have confirmed.


His return may be brief as his wife Amy weighs treatment options after being diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago. But Mickelson has decided to play in next week's St. Jude Classic in Memphis, Tenn., as well as the U.S. Open the following week.

Mickelson, who was the defending champion at last week's Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, had suspended his schedule indefinitely after learning of his wife's diagnosis.

But he said in a statement on his Web site last week that doctors think the cancer was caught early, and more tests are scheduled. Originally, Mickelson had said that surgery was scheduled within two weeks but that has now been delayed.

How his wife's treatment progresses will certainly dictate how much Mickelson plays this summer -- and whether he will be in the field at Turnberry for the British Open, the season's third major championship, in July.

Mickelson, a two-time winner already this year who ranks fifth in the FedExCup standings, certainly will be among the favorites at Bethpage Black, where he finished second to Tiger Woods in the 2002 U.S. Open. The runner-up finish was one of four he's had in the U.S. Open.

In fact, the three-time major champion has not finished lower than fourth in any Open held in the New York area. He's particularly popular in the Big Apple, where he is a member at Liberty National and frequently takes his family to visit.

Mickelson has not played in Memphis since he missed the cut in 2001. He likes to play the week prior to a major championship, though, and has not played competitively since tying for 55th at THE PLAYERS Championship.

"We heard there was a possibility he would play," St. Jude Championship tournament director Phil Cannon told the AP. "That would be great."

The Mickelsons met in 1992 and were married four years later. The couple has three children, and Amy is among the most visible of TOUR wives. The former Phoenix Suns cheerleader can often be spotted in her husband's gallery interacting with his fans.

Her diagnosis struck home -- not only in the PGA TOUR community but also with Mickelson's fans, as a result. Saturday's "Pink Out" celebration at Colonial was only one aspect of a groundswell of support for the vivacious blonde.

Players, caddies, wives and fans alike wore pink to promote awareness for breast cancer research. Fans at Colonial were able to donate to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and sign a banner at the 13th hole that was to be shipped to the Mickelsons.

In a statement on her husband's Web site, Amy Mickelson said Saturday was a "very humbling day" as she watched the telecast with her family.

"Every time we see a player, caddy, announcer, or fan wearing pink we are overwhelmed by the love and support we feel," Amy said. "The 11 days since we received the diagnosis have been very difficult, but this incredible gesture helps us feel so much stronger.

"We are determined to overcome this. Today's 'Pink Out' will help all people, whether they're fighting breast cancer or helping a loved one, know that they are not alone."