Have you ever heard an uproar, like the one we heard when Phil Mickelson decided to pull out of the U.S. Open… to attend his daughter’s high school graduation?
Family before personal goals?
This is shocking, it’s an outrage! How could Lefty possibly deny us golf fans the opportunity of seeing our hero win the U.S. Open… or, more likely, finish second for the 7th time?
Now, no one that I know of actually went public with their disagreement with Mickelson’s decision. But it was clear, from some reactions (yes, I’m talking Nick Faldo here) that some were hesitant in supporting the 5-time Major Champion, that there were people who disagreed with Mickelson’s position of putting family first.
Faldo was less than supportive when reacting during CBS’ coverage of The Memorial this past weekend. His tone was “how could anyone pass up the U.S. Open?”
But I’ll put any of you in the position of Mickelson. Your daughter is the president of her senior class, which means she receives the opportunity to speak to the audience on Graduation Day. As a father, would anything stand in the way of seeing your daughter on stage in the biggest moment of her young life? I didn’t think so. What do you think?
I feel sure Tony Dungy, founder of All Pro Dad, would agree with Mickelson.
Now, Mickelson hasn’t officially withdrawn from the U.S. Open, just in case something miraculous happens that would enable him to do both.. like a weather delay at the Open, or his daughter’s school changes the schedule and moves the Graduation Day ceremony.
His move is not unprecedented. Jason Day withdrew from the British Open 5 years ago, to be with his wife and newborn son. Several golfers refused to play in last year’s Olympics in Rio for various reasons. Pro athletes in other sports now almost routinely take paternity leave during the season.
So, maybe that U.S. Open championship may never happen for Phil Mickelson.. who knows?
Family first… It’s quite a concept. 'Hero' or 'Zero', feel free to comment below.
(Cover photo by TourProGolfClubs Flickr)
For more articles by sportswriter Dave Wirth and to connect with local sports see our Sports Page.
