Mickelson withdraws from British Open

TURNBERRY, Scotland, July 10 (UPI) -- Phil Mickelson said Friday he will not compete at this year's British Open Championship at Turnberry, Scotland, because of personal and family reasons.

The world's second-ranked men's golfer withdrew two days after learning his mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The disease also hit his wife, Amy, in June, just before the U.S. Open at Farmingdale, N.Y.

"As a professional golfer, competing in major championships, and winning them, is my main objective," Mickelson said on his personal Web site. "But I've always said family is my No. 1 priority. For that reason I won't be playing the British Open next week."

His decision will end a streak of 61 straight appearances in a major golf tournament, the longest among active golfers.

The three-time major champion has not played since sharing second place at the U.S. Open and his wife is recuperating from breast cancer surgery.

He has not said when he will return to the PGA Tour.