For the first time in ages, Phil Mickelson headlines the major golf story of the week in the Farmers Insurance Open held at Torrey Pines. With Tiger Woods on his indefinite leave, the media swarmed to the next best thing at Phil’s press conference, where we finally got to hear his thoughts (or lack thereof) on the revelations surrounding his frenemy, Tiger.

Phil kicked off the presser by reading a prepared statement. Talking points included  Tiger, the groove change, his game, and of course, his family. In other words, he took control of the situation, or simply, a media manipulation tactic:

Before we talk about that and the tournament, there’s a few other areas I’d like to discuss before we go into that. The first is obviously Tiger. That’s a common topic. The game of golf needs him to come back. I mean, it’s important for him to come back and be a part of the sport. But right now he’s got a lot more important things going on in his life. Amy and I are good friends with both Tiger and Elin, and we care deeply about how this turns out. But I’m going to choose not to talk about it publicly anymore, and I appreciate your understanding on that.

But this didn’t stop reporters from pressing him on the topic. Asked if he had tried to contact Tiger, “either through calling or text,” he stood by his no comment policy, politely replying, “You know, we’ve had limited communication with the Woodses, and again, I just feel like discussing any of that is just not appropriate.” But has he had contact with him? “With the family, not necessarily saying with who in the family.” So, no, he likely hasn’t directly spoken to Tiger.

When questioned on the prolific coverage of the scandal, he shrewdly cast it back at the press:

As far as the media exposure or coverage, reaction, I think it’s more a question for you. That’s your industry. That’s what you guys do for a living. How do you feel it was covered? I don’t know, that’s more of a question for you guys.

Phil also confirmed the report he would be playing with an old Ping Eye-2 lob wedge, which has been a contentious matter since it doesn’t technically conform to the new groove rule, but was grandfathered in following a lawsuit. Unlike some players who have voiced their disapproval of the loophole, deeming it as a form of cheating, Phil disagrees:

After talking about the TOUR and the USGA, the only thing that matters is are they approved for play. So I don’t feel that there’s any problem if I were to play those clubs or if anybody else were. All that matters is that it is OK under the rules of golf.

He freely voiced his disdain for the groove change:

You know, this affects my career. This is a big change. I think it’s a ridiculous change. I think that it costs each manufacturer millions of dollars. I think it’s confusing, and I don’t agree with it one bit.

His viewpoint caught me a bit off-guard, considering he’s celebrated for his deftness around the greens. But perhaps his disapproval stems from his bomb-and-gauge style of play, and the new grooves will make things tougher on those guys, according to Ryan Moore. Phil is also known for his sometimes questionable decision-making on the course and players will have to make smarter decisions and have more trouble recovering from missed shots.

Phil went on to discuss his optimistic feelings about his game and prognosticates this year will be one of the best of his career — with or without Tiger. He believes he has the opportunity to “challenge” Tiger’s throne and move to the number-one spot, which he says is something he’s aspired to his whole career, but he just “hasn’t had much success.” Even if Phil surpasses Tiger in the rankings, there will still be an asterisk that goes along with the title (it doesn’t count unless he does it with Tiger actually competing). I guess he’ll take it, though.

Going into Torrey Pines this week, Phil is the overwhelming favorite given his past success at the tournament, including three wins. Not surprisingly, the world’s number two is now the most beloved player — the one who is the quintessential family man, gracious to the media, friendly with fans and always smiling (or secretly smirking these days).

After living in Tiger’s shadow for over a decade, Phil now has the limelight to himself. Get ready for FIGJAM-squared. Just hope he doesn’t run over a fire hydrant in 2010.

[Donna Orender, president of the WNBA, and Amy Mickelson at Torrey Pines GC]

On Monday Amy made her return to the golf world. On behalf of the Phil and Amy Mickelson Golf Foundation, she attended a golf clinic held in Torrey Pines, CA, at the LPGA’s Samsung World Championship.

The event was put on as part of the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, which spotlights prominent women leaders in business, philanthropy, government, education and the arts. Amy mingled with LPGA pros, including Lorena Ochoa, Jiyai Shin and Jill McGill, who led the clinic. 

Since she was diagnosed with cancer in May, we’ve all hoped for her speedy recovery. With this appearance, it seems like a favorable and encouraging indication that her treatment is going well.

As you know, I’m not a huge fan of FIGJAM…at all. But I like Amy — she strikes me as a genuinely wonderful and kind person. Here’s hoping we’ll be seeing more of her lovely smile over the next few months, and best wishes.

[Photo via Getty Images]

Yesterday it was announced that Phil Mickelson would play in next week’s WGC Bridgestone Championship. And today it was confirmed that Phil will indeed play in the PGA Championship at Hazeltine for the final major of the season. Our million dollar question has been answered! I’m not surprised and I’m glad that it sounds like Amy’s cancer treatment is going well.

He wrote on his website:

I have had a great six weeks at home. Things are going very well and I am excited about the opportunity to start playing some tournaments again. I’ll play the Bridgestone Invitational, PGA Championship, and The Barclays for sure, and if things continue to go well I’ll be able to play more.

He’s sponsored by Barclays so I’m sure they’re happy about the news too. Everyone wins! But seriously, I think we’re all ready to see Phil return to competition! Maybe we’ll even get to see a Tiger vs. Phil duel in the upcoming weeks. We miss those as well - it’ll give the press something else to write about other than Tiger’s temper problem. Better yet, we’ll see more cursing and club throwing so we can continue to harp on the subject!

It was announced this afternoon that Phil Mickelson will play in next week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Lefty hasn’t competed since placing T2 at the US Open in June (and breaking the record for most runner-up finishes with 5).

He has understandably taken a six-week hiatus while his wife, Amy, and his mother, Mary, are being treated for breast cancer. Mary was diagnosed with the illness less than two months after Amy was. Yeah, tough times.

On the upside, Phil recently wrote on his website:

Amy is doing very well. The best news so far is that the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes, which improves our chances of beating this in the short and long term. We’re awaiting one test result that will influence Amy’s treatment plan.

He also said they’re optimistic about his mother’s recovery.

Now the million dollar question is if he’ll compete in the PGA Championship the following week. I’m going to go with affirmative; that is, barring any bad news related to his family. It’s safe to assume Bridgestone is his prep for the PGA like St. Jude’s was for the US Open.

Fans have been overwhelmingly supportive (i.e., the Pink Out at Colonial). No doubt the crowds will come out cheering loudly for Phil — like they did at the US Open — next week.

Our best continues to go out to the Mickelsons.

[Update: On Wed, July 29, Mickelson confirmed he’s playing in the PGA Champ.]

Can any more bad news hit the Mickelson family? It was reported today that Phil Mickelson’s mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mary Mickelson, the mother of Phil Mickelson, has been diagnosed with breast cancer less than two months after the golfer’s wife, Amy, also was diagnosed with the disease.

Tina Mickelson, Phil’s sister, said Monday that her mother was diagnosed a week ago and will undergo surgery Friday at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Amy Mickelson had surgery for her breast cancer at the same hospital Wednesday.

This is awful. Talk about a tough time for the Mickelsons. Seriously. Think about the emotional toll this is taking on them. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.

I’m sure Mary will receive the same outpouring of support from fans and players as Amy has.

Here’s what many are probably wondering: Will Phil return to competition this year? I don’t think anyone would hold it against him if he didn’t. Whatever the circumstances - family always comes first.

On a bit of a brighter note, Tina also said, “The initial pathology on Amy’s tumor and the surrounding tissue was healthier than doctors anticipated.” Well, at least it sounds like she will be OK. It’s a relief that her treatment is headed in a good direction.

Let’s wish for Amy’s and Mary’s speedy recovery.  Our best goes out to the Mickelsons.