Phil Mickelson withdraws from the Open Championship

Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the Open Championship to be wife his wife and mother who are both battling breast cancer.  

The world number two has played the last 61 majors, the longest streak in golf, but his wife Amy had surgery on July 1 and Mickelson has decided to stay with his family in the States.

"Competing in major championships, and winning them, is my main objective. But I've always said family is my number one priority," said the three-time major winner.

"For that reason I won't be playing the Open. It's a trying time for us but we have excellent medical attention and care.

"We've received wonderful support from so many people, many of whom have gone through the same battle, and we're optimistic, as always."

Mickelson, 39, who does not expect to return to action until August following last month’s second at the US Open, has been replaced in the field at Turnberry by compatriot Ben Crane.

The 138th Open Championship at the Ailsa Course, Turnberry, starts on Thursday where Padraig Harrington will be looking to get his hands on the Claret Jug for the third successive time.

Where next?

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