Sept4 Mickelsonout

Phil Mickelson has sensationally decided to give the prestigious BMW Championship, the third and final qualifying leg of the US PGA Tour’s FedEx play-offs, a miss.

‘Lefty’ made his shock decision after capturing Monday’s Deutsche Bank spoils in Boston, securing his place in the following week’s Tour Championship, the big FedEx finale whcih will be contested by the top 30 points scorers.

Mickelson’s withdrawal is a major body blow for the much-maligned FedEx series which is in its first year and hasn’t really fully captured the imagination of the fans and, quite clearly, the leading players too.

Said Mickelson: “It was not an easy decision to make and in no way is meant as disrespectful to the Tour or ‘sending a message’ to anyone.

“I’ve talked for weeks about needing to find a balance between my game, my business affairs and my family and now is the time for me to take some time off.”

However, Mickelson is clearly unhappy with the way things have developed with the inaugural staging of the FedEx and has been far from impressed with PGA Tour supremo Tim Finchem’s handling of affairs.

Mickelson revealed though he’s looking forward to the Tour Championship at East Lake, Atlanta, and is confident of continuing where he left off on Monday when he managed to leave Tiger Woods in his wake. “Hopefully I will continue with the momentum I’ve been building up and hopefully claim the first FedEx Cup.”

Brit Luke Donald can understand Mickelson’s decision but added: “I’m sure the fans will be disappointed. He attracts a lot of people and if he doesn’t turn up, it’ll be tough for this tournament and tough for the city of Chicago and its fans.”