Phil Mickelson’s golf career has been put on hold after the news that his wife Amy has breast cancer.
The couple, who married in 1996, have children aged nine, seven and six and Mickelson, as he always has, is putting family first and has suspended playing "indefinitely". His wife underwent what was described as "an extensive battery of tests" before the diagnosis. More tests are scheduled, but the treatment could begin with major surgery in the next two weeks. The news came as Mickelson was starting his countdown to next month’s US Open at Bethpage Black, the New York course where he was runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2002 and where he was a real fan favourite. It remains to be seen if his wife’s health will allow him to take part in the championship. Woods sent a message that he and his Swedish wife Elin "are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family". On the European Tour there are regular breast cancer charity events in memory of Darren Clarke’s wife Heather, who died just before the 2006 Ryder Cup.
Only last Friday at the Irish Open players were requested to wear an item of pink clothing to help raise awareness and Clarke’s former caddie Billy Foster is walking from Loch Lomond to Turnberry in July to raise funds.