After quick start at Augusta National, Mickelson makes quick getaway

Phil Mickelson was happy with his opening round on Thursday, but even happier when it was over. That's because, Helen Ross explains, he had someplace even more special to be.

By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM Chief of Correspondents

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Hard to tell, but it sure looked like Phil Mickelson kept glancing at his watch.

He had just shot 67 to tie Lee Westwood, Y.E. Yang and the enduring Tom Watson for the first-round lead at the Masters before Fred Couples nipped them by one. So Mickelson made the trek to the interview room in the Press Building after a brief stop at the Butler Cabin for TV.

Mickelson was business-like but hardly brusque as he answered questions for about 10 minutes Thursday afternoon. Only after he got up to leave and made a few additional comments did the clock-watching make sense.

Mickelson's wife Amy and their three kids were back at the house. They had arrived on Wednesday in time for the children, who are aged 10, 8 and 7, to assist their father -- who cherishes the photos of his tow-headed kids in their caddy bibs -- as he played in the annual Par 3 Contest.

Mickelson's mother Mary, who was diagnosed a month later with the same disease, and his father Phil are also with the family this week, as is Amy's mother.

"Just the fact that the wife and kids are here already makes it special," Mickelson said before he left the interview room. "That's kind of why I cut it short. I want to get back to the house."

The family had not been together at a tournament since last year's PLAYERS Championship, which was less than two weeks before Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She did surprise him at The Presidents Cup but did not come to the course.

A former cheerleader for the Phoenix Suns, Amy is one of the most gregarious and outgoing wives on the PGA TOUR. Prior to her diagnosis, the petite blonde could often be found in Mickelson's gallery, interacting with fans.

Her innate ability to make everyone feel like a long-lost friend, coupled with Mickelson's affable demeanor and prolific hand with the Sharpie, made her cancer diagnosis hit particularly close to home with their fans.

Mickelson skipped the British Open last year to be with his wife during her treatment and frequently accompanies her to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He even pulled her oncologist out of the gallery last Sunday at the Shell Houston Open to caddy for three holes.

Amy's long-term prognosis is good, but the treatment has taken its toll on her. So don't expect to see her in his gallery this week at Augusta National.  

"It would be cool," Mickelson acknowledged. "But I know it would be tough."

The big lefthander hasn't missed a cut in seven tournaments this year, but he also hasn't contended with just one top-10. The last time he went this deep into the season without a win was in 2006 -- and he won his second Masters in that eighth start.

"I needed a good, solid round because I've been putting myself behind early in tournaments and been having to almost force things," Mickelson said. "But there's just something about this place that when I get on the golf course, I don't feel like I have to be perfect. 

"It relaxes me. I'm able to free up my swing and let my short game save me if I make a couple of bad shots. I know the greens. I know the reads. So I have a lot of confidence when I'm putting, because I know what the ball is going to do; I've been here so much."

The ever-popular Mickelson, going against his good-guy type in a black shirt and gray pants, got things going on the back nine after making the turn in 35. He rolled in a 30-footer for eagle at the 13th hole then made a 40-foot birdie at No. 14 and two-putted from 25 at No. 15 for another.

"I played really well today," Mickelson said. "I hit a lot of good drives and hit a number of good iron shots, and putted extremely well. Didn't make as many as I would like, but all of the putts that missed were catching lips, which means that I started on line and I was rolling it with good speed. And I did make a few."

Mickelson has an impressive record at Augusta National. In addition to the two wins, he has finished 10th or higher in 10 of his last 11 appearances, including fifth and tied for fifth the last two years.  
   
"It's a good start," he said. "... My expectations are high and I thought it was a good, solid start to the tournament, but it's just one of four."