PHIL MICKELSON will appreciate the chance to divert thoughts from his wife’s battle with cancer when the three-time major champion returns to competitive golf for the St Jude Classic at the TPC Southwind in Memphis today.
Twice a winner on the USPGA Tour already this year, the left-hander has not played since the final round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass on May 10th when he finished tied for 55th.
Mickelson, 39 next Tuesday, revealed he and his wife had been overwhelmed by the comfort and support they had received — including a ‘Pink Out’ day at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in mid-May when players, caddies, fans and officials wore the colour that symbolises breast cancer awareness during the third round at Colonial.
Speaking during a press conference at TPC Southwind last night, Mickelson said: “Amy and I thought that a couple of weeks ago at the Colonial was one of the nicest things that we’ve ever seen. It came at an incredible time for us. We’re very lucky to be a part of this group of Tour players.
“The show of support they gave us at Colonial, all the people at Colonial, Fort Worth, it was incredibly meaningful.
“I don’t know how to express the emotions that we felt because of that. It was just a very special thing for us.
“It’s kind of a weird thing. I’m looking forward to having a four- or five-hour mental break where I force myself to focus on something else. I’m looking forward to that.”
On his 37-year-old wife’s cancer, Mickelson added: “Obviously we’re going through a tough time right now. We won’t get started on our treatment until July 1st.
“In the meantime, I’m going to play these two weeks. She’s going to have a nice time here this week. My parents are taking the kids camping and she’s going to have a little bit of time with a couple of her close friends and family.”
Mickelson insisted he intends to be competitive in both Memphis and next week at Bethpage Black in New York when the US Open gets under way.
“I don’t feel as though my game is that far off. But certainly I haven’t played in a while,” he admitted.
Mickelson has been grouped with Pádraig Harrington and fellow American Cameron Beckman for an early start for round one at 1.27pm (Irish time).
The 38-year-old Californian heads a strong field in Memphis with four other players in the world’s top 12.
Fourth-ranked Spaniard Sergio Garcia is competing, along with Swede Henrik Stenson (sixth), Harrington (11th) and Colombian Camilo Villegas (12th).
Harrington is joined by compatriot Graeme McDowell.
Stenson, Ryder Cup team-mate Garcia and Valhalla rival Boo Weekley, tee off at 5.36pm.
Fourth last year, Harrington has the ideal game for Southwind but his slump in form sees the Dubliner’s tournament odds at 25 to 1.
It’s a long time since such generous odds were available for the three-time major winner. Mickelson starts a general 10 to 1 favourite but it might be expecting too much from what promises to be an emotional weekend.
American Justin Leonard is back in Tennessee to defend his title and, like Mickelson, he is using this week as an ideal warm-up for the US Open.
“It’s a good way to get ready,” Leonard said.
“And I enjoy coming here,” added the Texan, tournament champion in 2005 and again last year after he beat Australian Robert Allenby and South African Trevor Immelman in a play-off.
John Daly makes his first USPGA Tour start since serving a six-month suspension following a string of controversial incidents on and off the course with a 6.54pm tee time.
St Jude Classic
Course: TPC at Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee.
Length: 7,239yds. Par: 70.
Prizemoney: €4 million, €771,686 for the winner
Field: 156.
Defending champion: Justin Leonard.
Course winners taking part: Justin Leonard (2), David Toms (2), Notah Begay, Bob Estes, Len Mattiace, Woody Austin, Jeff Maggert.
On TV: Live on Setanta all four days, starting at 8pm today.
Weather: Hot and wet. Cloudy with showers and thunderstorms.
