Mickelson Withdraws from WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship


Phil Mickelson has pulled out of next month's WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Ariz. It will be the second time in three years that "Lefty" won't play in the $8.5 million tournament at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain course.

Mickelson said he'll miss this year's event to take a family holiday as it comes at the same time as his children's spring break. He also skipped the 2010 tournament, also to be with his family on a vacation postponed by cancer treatment for his wife Amy.

Last year Mickelson lost 6 and 5 in the second round to Rickie Fowler. His best finish in the tournament came in 2004 when he reached the quarterfinals.

The top-64 players in the world are eligible for the event, which was won last year by Luke Donald. It's uncertain who will take Mickelson's spot when the tournament is held February 22-26.

Sweden's Alex Noren is now ranked in the No. 65 slot. Other players who might gain entry include major winners Paul Lawrie (84) and Padraig Harrington (88).