Phil Mickelson’s touching moment with wife Amy at US Open goes viral
American professional golfer Phil Mickelson’s dream of a US Open victory to complete a career Grand Slam may be over after his Saturday performance, but the day before, he had his wife in his corner, making for a cutesy moment for him and his fans. Mickelson, a six-time US Open runner-up who became the oldest major champion in golf history last month by winning the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, struggled on Saturday as he reportedly made five bogeys and a double-bogey to finish seven-over on 220.
But on Friday, June 18, during his second round, his wife, Amy was spotted in the crowd. Phil reportedly ran up to her and gave her a hug, and then they shared a moment that golf fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the years - they shared a thumbs up.
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Phil and Amy Mickelson: Big thumbs-up people pic.twitter.com/zKhpjUtxOj
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 18, 2021
Who is Amy Mickelson?
“She is the most charismatic, intelligent, dynamic woman or person I’ve ever met, and her energy and support means more to me than anything, and to be able to see her and be able to see her out here and have her on holes that she’s never been able to see before, like 12 and 13, is an experience of a lifetime for both of us,” said the golfer in an old interview. “I’m so happy she’s here.”
The couple met in 1992. At the time, they were both attending Arizona State University, where Phil was something of a college star. As per Golf Monthly, Phil then was a senior, and Amy was a junior as well as a cheerleader on the Phoenix Suns NBA Cheerleading squad.
In an interview, Amy said, “When he told me he was a pro golfer, I thought he worked in the shop at a golf course.” After four years of courtship, they got married in 1996 and subsequently had three children together. The first, Amanda was born a day after Phil came second at the 1999 US Open to Payne Stewart. Sophia was born in 2001, two years later. Evan was born in 2003.
In 2009, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a result, Phil suspended his participation on the PGA Tour. After an 11-month battle, Amy beat cancer and returned to her husband’s side at the golf course in 2010. This was at the Masters where her husband would win his third Green Jacket.
Following the brush with cancer, the couple has been heavily involved in fund-raising efforts for breast cancer research. They set up the Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation in 2004 and their objectives are to give support to youths and families through a variety of initiatives. “Family is our own number-one priority,” said Phil of the foundation. “Both Amy and I benefited by being raised in our own strong, loving families and now we’re fortunate and thankful to be in a position to help others strengthen their own family bonds.”