Mickelson leaves golf tour to be with wife

In an instant, golf became secondary for Phil Mickelson.

The world’s second-ranked player revealed Wednesday that his wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is expected to undergo “major” surgery, possibly within the next two weeks, according to Mickelson’s representatives at Gaylord Sports Management.

As a result, Mickelson has withdrawn from this weekend’s HP Byron Nelson Championship and next week’s Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where he is the defending champion.

There is no time set for Mickelson’s return to the PGA Tour.

The U.S. Open begins June 18 and will be played at Bethpage Black in New York.

“Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy,” Tiger Woods said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family.”

College sweethearts, Phil and Amy Mickelson were married in 1996 and have three children: Amanda, 9; Sophia, 7, and Evan, 6.

Amy Mickelson is among the most visible wives on the tour, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who embraced her husband near the 18th green after his breakthrough win at the 2004 Masters and frequently follows him at tournaments.

Last week, Amy and Phil were photographed at Staples Center for Game 5 of the Houston Rockets-Lakers playoff series.

In 2003, Amy nearly died from complications after giving birth to Evan. Shaken by the trauma, Phil had his worst year on tour, finishing 38th on the money list.

Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and the wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, told the Associated Press that Amy’s outgoing personality would be an asset in her recovery.

“She’s such an upbeat person, and I think she’ll approach this in the same way, moving forward with confidence,” Sarah Strange said.

Tour player Scott Verplank told PGATour.com that Mickelson sent him a text message Tuesday night with the news.

“I had a hard time sleeping,” Verplank said. “Hopefully, it’s early and hopefully they take care of it.”

Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, spent time with the Mickelsons during Nicklaus’ four stints as captain of the Presidents Cup team.

“We know that Amy has this amazing inner strength and spirit, and with Phil’s unwavering love and support, they will fight and overcome this,” Jack Nicklaus said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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tgreenstein@tribune.com