Mickelson to choose his girl’s graduation day over US Open

Phil Mickelson has signalled his intention to miss the US Open to attend his daughter’s graduation.

Speaking before his third round at the Memorial Tournament, the 46-yearold said his daughter Amanda’s graduation would take precedence over the only major championship to have eluded him. This year’s event runs from 15-18 June at Erin Hills.

Mickelson, pictured, has notified tournament officials of his intention, but has yet to withdraw formally, making provisions for last-minute changes of plan. Tournament rules dictate he has until just before the commencement of his opening round to pull out.

“My daughter is graduating, she is the school president, she’ll be giving the commencement speech for the school and I am going to be there,” he said at a media conference.

“It comes on the Thursday of the Open and there’s no way I can make it no matter what the tee time is. I didn’t want the USGA [US Golf Association] to be caught off guard and I wanted the alternate to know he will most likely be in.

“There is no sense in doing it [withdrawing formally] now. Something might come up with the commencement, something unforeseen, but it doesn’t look good. I wanted to make sure they had enough notice. I am really excited about this moment in our family’s life.”

The USGA said: “Phil called to say because of the timing of his daughter’s high school graduation, he would likely not be able to play. We applaud the fact that he is being proactive so that the USGA can make any appropriate adjustments should he not be able to play.”