Phil Mickelson planning to miss Open for daughter's graduation

DUBLIN, OHIO – Phil Mickelson said he will miss the U.S. Open for the first time in 24 years to attend his oldest daughter's high school graduation in California.

Mickelson hasn't officially withdrawn from the U.S. Open, which starts June 15 at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. But that's the same day as Amanda Mickelson's graduation from Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, Calif., and he doesn't see any way he will make a tee time.

The U.S. Open is the only major Mickelson has not won; he has finished second six times. He has not missed it since his first full year as a pro in 1993.

This is the same daughter who nearly caused Mickelson to miss the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, where he carried a beeper with him and pledged to leave in the middle of the tournament even if he were ahead. Mickelson lost on a 15-foot par putt at the last hole to Payne Stewart. Amanda was born the next day.

And now she's graduating high school. He said Amanda is the school president and the valedictorian. She is going to Brown.

"It's a tournament that I want to win the most," Mickelson, 46, said after his third round at the Memorial. "… But this is one of those moments where you look back on life and you just don't want to miss it."

The commencement is 10 a.m. Pacific time (noon Wisconsin time). One reason for Mickelson not to withdraw immediately is the slim chance of a first-round weather delay.

He was at 13-under 203. Matt Kuchar, winless in his past 82 PGA starts, shot a 67 that got him in the final group with Summerhays.