The one major missing from Phil Mickelson’s resume is the U.S. Open. And it looks like he’ll have to wait until next year for another shot at the Grand Slam.
Mickelson announced that he’s planning on skipping the U.S. Open this month at Erin Hills (WI) so he can attend his daughter Amanda’s high school graduation, which falls on Thursday June 15th, the opening round of the tournament.
Mickelson said he’s informed the USGA’s Mike Davis (Executive Director) of his decision, so as to plan accordingly regarding tee times and potential alternates.
“I wanted to make sure they had enough notice to accommodate it,” said Mickelson. “So that’s why I’m saying something today. But it doesn’t look good for me playing. But I’m really excited about this moment in our family’s life.”
Bullets
- Amanda is Phil and Amy Mickelson’s oldest child, and she turns 18 this month.
- Phil almost missed the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst when Amy was scheduled to give birth to Amanda.
- Mickelson finished runner-up that year to Payne Stewart and the late golfer famously grabbed Phil by the face and told him, “You’re going to love being a father.”
- Amanda was born the next day, and Phil made it home for the birth.
- Amanda is the class president and will be giving the commencement speech.
- According to Phil, Amanda is “a smart little sh*t,” and will be attending Brown University in the fall.
Video
Phil Mickelson to skip U.S. Open to attend daughter's HS graduation commencement speech.#FathersDay pic.twitter.com/wAk4KjTSjO
— Pro Golf Weekly (@ProGolfWeekly) June 3, 2017
Quotable
“Yeah, I go back and every year at the U.S. Open, I think back about that ’99 Open. The birth of your child, any child, but especially your first child is the most emotional event you can ever experience and share together with your wife. And I always think about that at the U.S. Open, I think about Payne Stewart and I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by. Here she is turning 18 and moving off to college and I’m so proud of her. And she’s a special person. I’m excited to see what she has to say at her commencement.”
–Phil Mickelson
