Shattered Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Memorial tournament after carding a first-round seven-over par 79.
The world No12 pulled out at Ohio’s Muirfield Village last night in order to maximise his chances at the US Open later this month.
“I think, mentally, I’m a little bit fatigued,” said Mickelson. “The course here is in such great shape but I’m hitting it so poorly . . . I have to look at what’s best for me to play in the US Open and I’m going to take the next few days to kind of rest up.”
The US Open, second of the year’s four Majors, is at San Francisco’s Olympic Club from June 14-17.
“Certainly, I’m disappointed with how I played today but I’ve got to be more big-picture oriented and think about the Open and what’s best to get my best golf out there,” added the American. “I need the next few days to rest.”
Mickelson’s fatigue built up after he took his wife, Amy, to Europe last week to celebrate her 40th birthday, having previously played three events on the PGA Tour.
“We went to Italy and Paris,” the four-times Major champion added. “I came back and had a Tuesday outing in Long Island, the pro-am.”
The 41-year-old said it was the first time he had quit a tournament without suffering an injury.
“I feel like it’s the responsibility of a player to see through your commitment [to play] and finish the tournament,” he added.
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