Phil WD's From Memorial Citing Mental Fatigue
/Steve Elling on Phil Mickelson's post-79 WD at The Memorial, citing mild burnout from three tournaments in succession followed by an overseas trip to celebrate his wife's 40th birthday.
“I came back and had a Tuesday outing in Long Island, the pro-am, and I think mentally I'm a little bit fatigued,” Mickelson said. “So the course here is in such great shape, it's a beautiful way to get ready for the U.S. Open.
“But I'm hitting it so poorly that I think that for me to I have to look at what's best for me to play in the U.S. Open, and I'm going to take the next few days to kind of rest up.”
It's not unusual for players to withdraw after a high score - it was Mickelson's worst in the 13 trips to the Memorial - and three other players withdrew Thursday. But it's rare when the player is of Mickelson's stature, a four-time major champion inducted this month into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Steve DiMeglio explains that the WD goes against Mickelson's views on competing.
Mickelson could not think of another time he withdrew without physical injury.
"I feel like it's the responsibility of a player to see through your commitment and finish the tournament and so forth," Mickelson said. "And I'm kind of overruling that just a touch, because I'm trying to think big picture on what's the best way for me to get ready for the Open."
If you are wondering what the tour policy is for a fatigue WD, Jason Sobel explains how the regulations work:
Despite initial thoughts to the contrary, it appears Mickelson will not be subject to punishment from the PGA Tour. According to the 2012 PGA Tour player handbook, Article IV, Section A-8 states: “Fatigue will not be considered a valid reason for withdrawing.” However, this particular rule applies only to players who withdraw after committing to a tournament and prior to beginning the opening round or those who withdraw during a tournament round.
After the completion of a tournament round, no reason for withdrawal is necessary.
"It has nothing to do with playing poorly and so forth." He mentioned a possible visit to his coach, Butch Harmon, and an early arrival at Olympic Club. "I might go spend a couple days there if I feel up for it the next four or five days," said Mickelson.
Bob Harig notes how quickly Mickelson's round went bad:
Mickelson was at even par after a birdie at the 11th hole but then played the last seven holes in 7 over, with five bogeys and a double bogey. He shot a 42 on the back nine.
It was Mickelson's worst score on the PGA Tour since a 79 at the 2004 Canadian Open.
And Robert Lusetich caught up with tournament host Jack Nicklaus:
Of course, the Golden Bear wasn’t going to make a scene about Mickelson quitting.
He's too classy for that.
"We're sorry that Phil withdrew," Nicklaus said. "He's always a great addition to our field and we look forward to seeing him again next year."
Hopefully, he stays for at least two days.
