The news read as follows on May 20th of last year: Phil Mickelson’s wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the three-time major champion said Wednesday he will suspend his PGA Tour schedule indefinitely. Not long after that somber revelation, Mickelson discovered that his mother was also diagnosed with cancer. It has been a tough year for him.
When Mickelson dropped his last putt on 18 yesterday at Augusta to win the Master’s, I was thrilled for him! The poignant embrace with his wife immediately following his victory touched fans across the nation. One commentator stated: With all of the talk of infidelity swirling around the tournament, it was refreshing to see a husband and wife lovingly embrace at the end of it all in triumph. It just felt right…

And then I took note of the following quote in Bleacher Report today: Phil Mickelson’s Wife Makes Headlines at the Masters. Sports writers are repeatedly noting that it was victory of the family in as much as it was for Phil. It was her first time to be in the gallery to support her husband since her breast cancer diagnosis last year. Her presence appears to have made all of the difference.

I have always like Mickelson. I know I am probably partial to him because he is a lefty. He is good with people and just plain likeable. He is my kind of guy.

I can’t help but admire married couples who choose to weather the storm together. Mickelson abandoned the tour to take care of Amy. That is the way it’s supposed to happen. She underwent major surgery and he was there to support her and help with the children.

It stands in stark contrast to the narcissistic tendencies that destroy marriages. I have even known men who have left when their wives when they were dealing with major illnesses. It is nice to see someone stand by his wife. And it is even sweeter that he won the Master’s today! I like Phil. I hope the remainder of the year on the tour is good for him. But most importantly I hope for the best for Phil and Amy.