Phil Mickelson has confirmed he intends to play the Open Championship this year having missed it in 2009 to be with his ill wife, Amy.
Masters champ intends to compete at St Andrews
Masters champion Phil Mickelson has confirmed he intends to play the Open Championship this year having missed it in 2009 to be with his ill wife, Amy.
Last year Amy, and subsequently also Mickelson's mother Mary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May which led the world number two to skip most of his summer schedule.
That meant he did not compete at either the Open at Turnberry or the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond the week before - a warm-up event he traditionally attends.
However, with his wife making encouraging progress in her battle against the illness, Mickelson has announced plans to return to Scotland for both events this year with the Open being staged at St Andrews in July.
"I absolutely intend to be at Loch Lomond," the 39-year-old told the
Daily Record. "I intended to be there last year too but family circumstances meant that wasn't possible.
"I expect to be back there this time, as well as the British Open."
Emotional
Amy was at Augusta last weekend to greet Mickelson after he closed out victory and the American admitted it had been a very emotional experience.
He commented: "I don't normally shed tears over wins, and when Amy and I hugged off 18, that was a very emotional moment for us and something that I'll look back on and just cherish.
"It's been an emotional year, and I'm very proud of my wife and the fight and struggle she's been through. It's been a difficult year, and to come out on top in this tournament is very emotional."
