The Loop
Family first: Phil Mickelson leaves U.S. Open for daughter's graduation
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OAKMONT, Pa. -- Phil Mickelson is running out of time to capture that ever-elusive U.S. Open championship, one that will give him the career Grand Slam. But pursuit of that title won't come at the expense of family matters.
After playing a practice round at Oakmont Country Club on Monday, Mickelson flew back to San Diego to attend his daughter's eighth-grade graduation.
This isn't a first for Mickelson, who turns 46 years old this week. He left Merion in 2013 to make his oldest daughter's graduation, which was on a Wednesday. Mickelson made it back in the wee hours Thursday morning to make his tee time. He ultimately finished T-2 to Justin Rose.
Mickelson will be appearing in his 26th U.S. Open. He has finished second at the event six times.