The Loop
Report: Phil Mickelson has second offseason surgery, no timetable for return
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In early November, Phil Mickelson told our Tim Rosaforte that he underwent umbilical hernia surgery days after playing in the Safeway Open. According to Mickelson, the procedure was "no big deal," and that he was ready to start his offseason workout program.
However, it appears Mickelson has suffered a setback. ESPN's Jason Sobel reported Monday night that the 46 year old had another procedure.
Prior to this news, many expected the CareerBuilder Challenge as Mickelson's return event. Not only did the five-time major winner make the former Bob Hope Classic his first tournament in each of the past two seasons, but earlier this year, Mickelson replaced Bill Clinton as ambassador for the event, which will be held Jan. 19-22, 2017. That return now seems ambitious.
Mickelson is coming off a career revival, one which featured six top-five finishes -- including a memorable duel with Henrik Stenson during the Open Championship -- and a sterling performance at the Ryder Cup.