GLENEAGLES, Scotland -- Phil Mickelson impressed fans with his arm during the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, but apparently, he's not the only one in the family skilled at throwing a football. The proud father of three was happy to report his middle child, Sophia, not only made the flag football team she recently tried out for, but she is now the starting quarterback.
In fact, Mickelson's extended break from golf since withdrawing after the second round of the BMW Championship has involved a lot of sports -- just not always his own. Aside from Sophia -- also a righty when it comes to throwing -- Mickelson was able to watch his other daughter, Amanda, play some tennis matches, and son Evan play lacrosse.
"It was nice to get back to see the kids, take them to school, go to parent's night . . . reconnect and see what they're doing," Mickelson, himself a former QB, told me.
And Mickelson says the time away from the course has himself recharged about competing again.
"I'm looking forward to the Ryder Cup, I'm excited, I'm motivated to work. Nine days is a lot of time off. I'm refreshed," said Mickelson, who also believes he'll benefit from having flown to Scotland a day before the rest of the team to attend to some business.
Mickelson, who will be making a U.S.-record 10th appearance in the Ryder Cup, seems ready to make up for a disappointing season in which he failed to win on the PGA Tour for the first time since 2003.
"The idea is to go pretty hard for this last week at the Ryder Cup, bring back the Cup, and enjoy the victory the rest of the year," he said.
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