This week Phil Mickelson will tee it up for the U.S. Open at Bethpage, New York. I don't know how he will fare in the final standings. Mickelson has always been a threat at major championships. Thus far he has won the 2004 Masters, the 2005 PGA Championship, and the 2006 Masters. But I feel safe in making this prediction: whatever the result come Sunday, in my opinion Phil is already the winner.
You probably already know by now that Mickelson's wife, Amy, began treatment for breast cancer last month. Earlier in the season at an emotional press conference, he announced that he was suspending much of his play this year to be with her as she goes through treatment. As of now, Amy's surgery is scheduled for July, with treatments to follow. The cancer was caught early, so prognosis is good.
"I'm putting everything I have into this week," Mickelson said, "because I don't anticipate being able to play for awhile." In an era where there are so many examples of men embracing passivity and ignoring their responsibilities, Mickelson is a model of what authentic manhood is all about. Real men are there for their wives, "in sickness and in health." I'm sure Amy has stood by him at all the high and low points in his career. And he is standing with her as she faces perhaps her greatest challenge. So that's my take. This Father's Day I'm picking Phil Mickelson. May many other men follow his example.
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