Phil Mickelson Skipping U.S. Open to Attend Daughter’s Graduation

The summer golf season is in full swing and that means the second major of the year is coming up with players to Erin Hills, Wisconsin to compete in the U.S. Open. However, one of golf’s favorite, marquee players will not be attending the event this year.

Phil Mickelson announced during round three of the Memorial Championship on Saturday that he would not be playing in the major that is set to tee off in two weeks. His reason isn’t medical or financial, but rather a personal one. Lefty’s daughter will be graduating from high school the morning of June 15th, the same day that the U.S. Open is to begin.

There is still a chance that Phil could play in the tournament, only if there is a weather delay to the start of the major or the graduation ceremony has a last minute time change. That’s not likely, however, as Mickelson isn’t the only parent with a child graduating from The Pacific Ridge School. Despite the disappointment of not being able to see him play, all understand his decision, including USGA Executive Director Mike Davis, who voiced his support for Mickelson’s decision.

While Phil has always talked about his desire to win the U.S. Open, it is obvious that his family takes precedent in any situation. Mickelson’s desire to win the tournament is obvious, as it is the final major that he needs to become the sixth player in PGA TOUR history to complete the career grand slam. It is also the one tournament where Phil seems to constantly finish as the runner-up.

This isn’t the first time that Lefty had a family event coincide with the U.S. Open. Back in 1999, his wife was pregnant and ready to go into labor the week of the major. Phil still played, however, and ended up competing with eventual winner Payne Stewart. Luckily for Mickelson, his wife didn’t give birth until after the major and he was able to finish runner-up. Ironically, Ashley, the daughter that was born that day, is the one graduating next Thursday.

In a time where it seems athletes are expected to compete no matter what their personal situation is, it is nice to see Mickelson have his priorities in order and we congratulate his daughter on her high school graduation.

Cover Image via YouTube