Phil Mickelson's Wife Has Cancer

Golfer Phil Mickelson is dealing with a hazard of a very different type:

Phil Mickelson's wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the three-time major champion said Wednesday he will suspend his PGA Tour schedule indefinitely.

According to a release from Mickelson's management company, his wife was to have more tests but begin treatment, with major surgery, as early as the next two weeks.

Mickelson, the No. 2 player in the world with 36 career PGA Tour victories, was to play the Byron Nelson Championship this week before defending his title next week at Colonial. It was not certain if he would return in time for the U.S. Open on June 18-21 at Bethpage Black, where he was the runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2002 and is beloved by golf fans in the New York area.


[+] EnlargeAP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Amy Mickelson, seen with her husband, Phil, at a recent Lakers playoff game, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."

Amy Mickelson is among the most visible wives on the PGA Tour, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who regularly walks during the rounds and mingles easily with the gallery. She was waiting with their three children by the 18th green at Augusta National in 2004 when Mickelson won his first major, and at Winged Foot in 2006 at the U.S. Open, his most crushing loss in a major.

One of the photos in the clubhouse at the Byron Nelson Championship is Mickelson walking with Amy when they were engaged in 1996 and Mickelson won the tournament.

Scott Verplank, who played on two Ryder Cup teams and two Presidents Cup teams with Mickelson, said Mickelson sent him a text Tuesday night. "I had a hard time sleeping," Verplank said.

"Every time I've been around her, she's always had a smile on her face. She's always upbeat," Verplank said. "She's a neat girl. Hopefully, it's early and hopefully, they take care of it. I just sent Phil a text back. I didn't call him or anything. He'll call me if he needs anything."

Mickelson met his wife in 1992 when he was a senior at Arizona State, a year after he won his first PGA Tour event as an amateur.

It was a tough day for sport's wives yesterday. In addition to Mickelson's news, the wife of Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Scott Shoeneweis was found dead in her home. She was only 39.