Family man Mickelson’s biggest fight

New York’s favourite Californian will put away his clubs after this tournament to devote his energies to a much more important fight – his wife Amy’s battle against breast cancer – but before he does he must face his public.

He has chosen to do so, he says, to retain as much normality as possible in their lives before she undergoes surgery on July 1. But the reception he will receive from a part of the United States which instinctively votes Mickelson instead of Tiger Woods even in ordinary circumstances will make for an atmosphere which is anything but normal.

It will probably be clear after his opening drive whether he has made the right decision, but he is hoping he can harness the goodwill and use it to deliver to his stricken wife the get-well-soon gift she has requested.

“She has left me a number of little notes, texts and cards – hints that she would like to have a silver trophy in her hospital room. So I’m going to try to accommodate that,” said Mickelson, who will miss next month’s Open.

“I don’t know how to express how lucky I am because she’s just an amazing individual and it’s hard for me to see somebody that is such a good person go through something so difficult. We are scared about what’s to come but we don’t feel we’re alone. So many people go through this.

“I’m putting everything into this week because I don’t anticipate being able to play for a while.

“We won’t know the treatment schedule until a week or two after surgery, but most likely August is the earliest I will play again.

“My normal support system – Amy and the kids – aren’t going to make the trip, so I’m hoping the support helps carry me through emotionally when I’m on the course.”

Mickelson’s army of well-wishers today will include Darren Clarke, who lost his wife Heather to the disease before the 2006 Ryder Cup, and who is also in the field.

“We had a good conversation about various things,” said Clarke. “I understand probably more than most but he is a good friend. It’s very sad news but it is early stages, so we hope everything goes as well as we all wish for.

“Phil and Amy helped me through that Ryder Cup, walking on and off with me at the opening and closing ceremonies. Amy took my arm. They have been very kind to me.”

Mickelson was sufficiently composed yesterday to suggest he can get through this week, perhaps even thrive. And if he can go one better than the last time the US Open came to Bethpage in 2002, when he finished runner-up to Woods, it would be a storyline to match anything currently running on Broadway.

To do so, he must putt like a man possessed. Bethpage Black may put the long into Long Island but there are birdies to be made.

“I putted the greens very well in 2002 and if I have a good putting week I expect to be in contention on Sunday,” said Mickelson.

As for the European challenge to overwhelming favourite Woods, it may have to come from someone other than Padraig Harrington this time. Open champion Harrington has missed four of his past five cuts and has not finished in the top 10 since Abu Dhabi in January, having tinkered with a swing which seemed to be serving him well.

“It’s too late to patch up the roof during the lightning storm,” said Harrington. “I’m not confident but I’ll just have to assume my swing will be there.”

Paul Casey, ranked No3 in the world, has the form, while Lee Westwood, who finished third last year, has the pedigree, but it is also worth keeping an eye on Spain’s Alvaro Quiros, who has peppered the groups in front in practice.

No one in the field hits it further and, if he can keep it straight, this could be his Major breakthrough.