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| Phil and Amy Mickelson Photo © Getty Images/Jeff Gross |
At the 18th hole of the Masters Tournament, Phil Mickelson embraced his wife Amy and celebrated his third Masters title. Mickelson's wife and mother were diagnosed last year with breast cancer and have been in treatment for the last 11 months. Amy is a former cheerleader for the Phoenix Suns, a mother of three young children, and has usually been seen regularly on the course. This was the first day she's been out on the greens at a tournament since her diagnosis in May 2009. Lefty, as Mickelson is known,was seen shedding a tear as he realized this victory. The Mickelsons are thought of as a close family, but Mickelson himself is not noted for displays of overwhelming affection. But after setting aside his career to be supportive of Amy during her treatments, Mickelson recently rejoined the world of golf with a bang.
The months of breast cancer treatments have taken their toll on the whole family. "We've been through a lot this year; it means a lot to share some joy together," Mickelson said. "She's an incredible wife, an incredible mother. She's been an inspiration for me this past year, seeing what she's been through." Amy Mickelson is just 38 years old, and her treatments have likely been heavy-duty. Premenopausal women who are diagnosed with breast cancer often deal with more aggressive tumors. Phil Mickelson says that Amy's long-term prognosis is good, but does not say exactly what stage of treatment or recovery she is now at.
The crowd of spectators at the Masters Tournament were happy to see Phil and Amy Mickelson together with their children, embracing, smiling, and shedding tears of joy and relief. Let's hope that Phil's victory is soon matched by equally good news for Amy as she begins her recovery from breast cancer.
What hypocrasy. Phil is known to have had affairs and the wildest rumor: Amy had an affair with Michael Jackson. After Tiger Woods, I don’t believe any of these holier-than-thou golfers keep their golf balls to themselves.