Mickelson to play US Open

Phil Mickelson, who announced an "indefinite" break from golf after his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer last month, is set to return in Memphis next week.

The world number two has written on his website: "It is believed that we caught this early. We are anxiously waiting for a number of test results that will help guide us in the best possible direction.

"Amy is such a supportive and loving life partner. 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."

If he had decided to stay with her at home in two weeks' time it would have been the first Major he missed since the 1994 Masters.

With surgery planned for the end of this month there still remains a question mark over his participation in The Open at Turnberry next month.

Unlike so many of his fellow Americans, Mickelson has not missed one of those since 1993, the year after he turned professional.

He and Amy, a former cheerleader for the Phoenix Suns basketball team, were married three years later and it was eight years before they were able to celebrate a Major title together - after no fewer than 17 top-10 finishes.

Darren Clarke, whose wife Heather died of breast cancer just before the 2006 Ryder Cup, has spoken to Mickelson since news of Amy's illness was made public.

As was the case with the Irishman, the golf community has immediately leapt into action with shows of support.

A week last Sunday John Daly wore pink trousers at Wentworth and Rory Sabbatini a pink shirt as he won in Texas.

Pink ribbons were distributed and this past Saturday at the Colonial tournament pink was the designated colour of the day, as it was on the Friday of the Irish Open three weeks ago.

"It is hard to describe how much the outpouring of support has meant to us," Mickelson wrote on his website.

"When we heard about the 'Pink Out' (in Fort Worth) we both had tears rolling down our faces.

"This is such an incredibly thoughtful gesture, not only for Amy, but for the 200,000 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year."

Amy then added on Saturday: "We have been home watching the golf at Colonial surrounded by loved ones.

"Every time we see a player, caddy, announcer or fan wearing pink we are overwhelmed by the love and support we feel. It has been a very humbling day.

"The 11 days since we received the diagnosis have been very difficult, but this incredible gesture helps us feel so much stronger.

"We are determined to overcome this."