The golf legend, Phil Mickelson, has over the course of 30 years of his career, always prioritized his family. He has skipped Tour events and major championships to ensure he doesn’t miss out on important family moments. Lefty is clearly a family man first and then a golfer. He gets this trait from his mother, Mary Mickelson, who once won an award for being so family oriented.

Mary was once awarded a huge honor by a non-profit, and her humble response made her even more deserving of it.

Mary Mickelson responds humbly after receiving  a heartwarming title

In 1998, while Phil Mickelson beat Tiger Woods to win the Mercedes Championship. On the other side an honor was being bestowed upon his mother too. Mary was declared the ‘Mother Of The Year’ by the San Diego Chapter of the March of Dimes, a non-profit that works towards improving the health of mothers and babies.

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Mary responded with humility after the award. She said, “I don’t know if I’ve done anything extra than other mothers. We’ve always been very involved and have just been there.” She claimed that everyone had contributed; she had done only what everyone had.

Mary’s caring and nurturing nature have been passed on to Phil too. The golf pro always makes decisions in the best interest of his loved ones. And he has Mary’s upbringing to thank for that.

Phil Mickelson suffers a blow with news about his mother

Back in May 2009, Mickelson’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mickelson was distraught; he could not imagine anything worse happening to him. But alas…seven weeks after Amy, his mother was diagnosed with cancer too.

He had already taken a break from golf soon after his wife fell ill and was spending his time with his family. The father of three wrote on his website, “She has always put me and our family first. Now it’s time for her and her health to come first as we face this challenge together.” The golf pro could do nothing except hope for the best.

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Both his mother and wife went on to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. After a formidable battle, they both returned triumphant, much to Phil’s relief. The well-knit family got through the tough time together and came out much closer the other end.