Mickelson braced for crowd support

PHIL MICKELSON is unsure how he will react to the wave of support he will experience at this week’s US Open as he aims to sign off from golf with a fourth major victory.

Mickelson, 39 yesterday, is set to take time out from his competitive schedule following the Bethpage Black tournament, including missing next month’s Open at Turnberry, in order to be with his wife Amy, 37, who will begin treatment for breast cancer on July 1.

Given the high levels of vocal support he receives from the New York crowds whenever he is in the area, particularly when the US Open was staged at Bethpage for the first time in 2002, the fan favourite’s current situation is sure to be greeted with an even greater outpouring of emotion over the next few days. The world number two, however, is uncertain how he will cope.