Sports
Phil Mickelson: a Good Golf Player and a Better Father
Phil Mickelson has officially withdrawn from the 2017 U.S. Open, according to multiple media sources. He finally chose his daughter's high school graduation over this tournament.
As a professional American golfer, Phil Mickelson has won 42 events on the PGA Tour, including five major championships: three Masterstitles (2004, 2006, 2010), a PGA Championship (2005), and an Open Championship (2013). Mickelson is one of 16 golfers in the history of the sport to win at least three of the four majors.
This is the first time Mickelson has missed the U.S. Open since he failed to qualify in 1993 and his first missed major since the 2009 Open. His withdrawal will obviously disappoint his fans.
Mickelson first disclosed the scheduling conflict two weeks ago, and he also expressed his conflicting feelings then, “It's a tournament that I want to win the most. The only way to win is if you play and have a chance. But this is one of those moments where you look back on life and you just don't want to miss it. I'll be really glad that I was there and present.”
Amanda, the daughter of Mickelson, is senior class president at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, California, and she is scheduled to give a commencement speech during the high school graduation. Earlier Mickelson has been hoping that the weather could help him to attend the U.S. Open, since a forecasted storm over Wisconsin may cause a four-hour delay. In that case, he can hurry to the golf course in his private jet after watching his daughter graduate.
However, the U.S. Open started on Thursday under sunshine with no thunderstorms on the way. As there was no way to get from his daughter's high school graduation in California to make his tee time in Wisconsin, Phil Mickelson has to drop out of the U.S. Open. Roberto Diaz, the first alternate, officially took Mickelson's place later that afternoon.
In fact, this is not the first time that there are scheduling conflicts between Amanda and Mickelson’s contest.
Amanda nearly caused Mickelson to withdraw from the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Mickelson's wife, Amy, was due with her when the tournament opened. Amanda was born the next day. Even if he was leading then, Mickelson pledged to leave in the middle of the tournament if necessary. As a result, Mickelson was beat by Payne Stewart with a 15-foot par putt on the last hole.
Besides, in 2013, when Mickelson finished second at the U.S. Open in Merion, Amanda graduated from the eighth grade at the same week. Though it was on a Wednesday, Mickelson made to attend that ceremony, too. After that, He flew overnight to Philadelphia, arrived at 4 a.m. and took a quick nap before his 7:11 a.m. tee time.
Mickelson said he believes he will have more chances at the U.S. Open in the next few years. As we know, the U.S. Open will be played next year at Shinnecock Hills, then it's Pebble Beach in 2019 and Winged Foot in 2020. Looking forward to the wonderful performance of this Good Father!
