After turning professional in 1992, Phil Mickelson has won more than 50 championship titles worldwide, including 6 majors. However, the golfer hasn’t won the US Open throughout his career. Yet, did you know that once he sabotaged his chance to win the major for the happiness of his family? 

Amanda Brynn Mickelson, the firstborn of the golfer, had her high school graduation ceremony during the 2017 US Open. The forever family man, Mickelson, found it more important than getting a chance of winning the major he has never won!

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Lefty withdrew from the major because of his daughter!

The then 18-year-old Amanda Brynn Mickelson went to the Pacific Ridge School, California, which held its commencement exercises midmorning on June 15, 2017. Notably, the first round of the 2017 US Open began on the same day, making the golfer choose between the two events. As a loving and caring father, he chose his daughter over the major! 

“So there’s just really no way to make it,” Lefty said on Saturday as he announced his withdrawal from the tournament next week. “No matter what the tee time is.” According to the golfer, he informed his decision to the USGA officials on Saturday morning so the alternate could practice for it. 

Read more: Has Phil Mickelson Ever Been Ranked World #1 in Golf?

Notably, Mickelson had once faced a similar situation during the 1999 US Open. He was ready to withdraw from the tournament as his wife, Amy Mickelson, was about to give birth to their firstborn, and he didn’t want to miss that special moment. 

Phil Mickelson prefers family time over winning a major!

Until 2017, Mickelson hadn’t won the US Open, the only title he needs to complete his career slam. Notably, he has secured the second place in the event 6 times, an unbroken record. He has even once claimed that he would retire from professional golfing after he won the major. 

Moreover, his wife revealed that he could have watched the graduation ceremony through a video. Yet, Mickelson chose to be physically present on one of the special days of his eldest daughter. “As I look back on life,” Lefty said. “This is a moment I’ll always cherish and be glad I was present.” 

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Phil Mickelson has always put his family above anything. Although he is passionate about the sport, he proved through this event that his priorities will always be his family!