"I don't normally shed tears over wins" - When Phil Mickelson got emotional hugging his ailing wife after historic Masters win
Phil Mickelson is one of the greatest golfers of all time, with 45 PGA Tour titles, including six Major championships. Among the six Major wins, none is as emotional as the 2010 Masters, which came during a time when his wife, Amy Mickelson, was battling breast cancer.
The 2010 Masters was Mickelson's fourth Major victory, and he won it by a three-stroke margin over Lee Westwood. It was his third green jacket at Augusta National and arguably his most emotional one.
After making the 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, Mickelson first hugged his then-caddie, Jim Mackay, on the green. This was followed by a long embrace with Amy, as the two shared a deeply touching moment.
During the winner's press conference, Mickelson spoke about his tearshed moment and the significance of it.
"I don't normally shed tears over wins," he said. "And when Amy and I hugged off 18, that was a very emotional moment for us and something that I'll look back on and just cherish. I'll cherish every moment of this week."
In Mickelson's own words, no verbal exchange occurred during that moment.
For the uninitiated, Amy Mickelson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and required major surgery within a few weeks. Disturbed by the news, Phil Mickelson decided to step away from the game indefinitely. However, after knowing that Amy’s cancer was in the early stages and was treatable, he made his return later that year.
During the Green Jacket presentation, the three-time Masters Tournament champion reflected on that turbulent year.
"It's been an emotional year, and I'm very proud of my wife and the fight and struggle she's been through," he said, as per the Guardian. "It's been a difficult year, and to come out on top in this tournament is very emotional."
When did Phil Mickelson and Amy get married?
Phil Mickelson and Amy got married on November 16, 1996, after dating for four years. The couple first met in 1992 while both were studying at Arizona State University. At the time, Amy was a member of the Phoenix Suns cheerleading squad. She later admitted that she knew nothing about golf when they first met. Notably, Phil had already won a PGA Tour title in 1991.
Phil and Amy are parents to three children: Amanda Brynn Mickelson, Sophia Isabel Mickelson, and Evan Samuel Mickelson.
The couple also runs the Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation, a privately funded charity that focuses on supporting various youth and family initiatives.