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Earlier this year Phil Mickelson’s wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer.  He got some more bad news when he found out that his mother Mary also has breast cancer.  She is set to have surgery later this week at the same hospital where Amy had her surgery.  Phil has played in two tournaments since Amy’s diagnosis, including a second place finish in the U.S. Open.

Phil has not set a timetable for another return, but he is not likely to compete in the British Open.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Mickelson family.

Lucas Glover hung on to win the 2009 U.S. Open.  He wasn’t brilliant shooting a +3, but did enough to earn the victory.

Phil Mickelson made a run, but bogeyed the 15th and 17th to finish even.  Considering the limited amount of play Phil has had since his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer, Phil’s play was remarkable.

Tiger Woods was one under to finish four strokes back.

David Duval was in the running, but was one over for the day to finish two strokes back.

Ricky Barnes entered the last round as the leader, but shot a +6 to finish two strokes back.

Ross Fisher was the top European finisher at -1.

For the first time in recent history Tiger Woods will not be the sentimental favorite for a major.  When the best golfers in the world tee off at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, NY, Phil Mickelson will have the heart of the country behind him.  His wife Amy was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and after a short break to be by his wife’s side, he rejoined the tour last week for the St. Jude Classic.  Phil was off to a great start entering Sunday at -4.  He shot a 75 (+5) to finish tied for 59th at one over.  Not bad for a rusty guy.  Brian Gay ran away from the field with a -18, five strokes better than runner ups David Toms and Bryce Molder.

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The U.S. Open will be about Tiger and Phil initially though.  Tiger won last year’s Open in dramatic fashion over Rocco Mediate despite playing on an injured knee.  With a little luck the two will be paired up on Sunday in a match for the ages.  This time America will be on Phil’s side.

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As I suspected when Phil and Amy first went public with her breast cancer, Phil Mickelson will play in next week’s St. Jude’s Classic and then in the U.S. Open.  Golf has become such a major part of their lives that I knew he would take part in one of the biggest events, especially at Bethpage Black.  I imagine that Amy more than gave her blessing for Phil to plau.  He will likely resume his leave after the Open as his wife undergoes treatment.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Mickelsons on her road to recovery.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI