Phil Mickelson Withdraws From BMW Championship

Citing his poor play and desire to prepare for the upcoming Ryder Cup, Phil Mickelson withdrew from the BMW Championship early Saturday morning.

The withdrawal will also keep Mickelson out of next weekend’s season-ending Tour Championship, officially completing one of his worst seasons on the PGA Tour.

Mickelson shot 70 in Thursday’s first round but stumbled to a 6-over 76 Friday before deciding to pull out of the event. Needing a strong week to move forward with the top 30 players in the FedExCup playoff standings, the withdrawal left Mickelson projected to finish 64th.

“My primary goal is to rest and prepare for the Ryder Cup,” Mickelson explained in a statement. “Without a chance to contend at the Tour Championship, the most important thing for me now is to prepare for the Ryder Cup.”

While candid, Mickelson’s explanation for the withdrawal is sure to spark controversy. The PGA Tour typically allows withdrawals during tournaments for reasons due to injury or family only — although it is not required to make disciplinary actions public.

The BMW Championship is being held at Cherry Hills Country Club — site of Mickelson’s 1990 U.S. Amateur victory — and hopes had been high for him to turn around a winless season. 

[HT ESPN.com]

Related Link: 9 Best Phil Mickelson Moments

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