Mickelson bears his burden with dignity

FOR reasons that are as different as a birdie is to a bogey, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have not been totally involved in the business of the PGA Tour for months now.

Woods’ lofty place within the PGA Tour world showed cracks in early 2009 when he limped back into action after a knee injury. He then took a leave of absence later in the season when his family life unravelled.

As for Mickelson, his attachment to the PGA Tour developed a bit of separation in May of 2009 when it was revealed that wife Amy had breast cancer. Understandably, golf didn’t just take a back seat; it wasn’t even in the vehicle that drives his emotions.