Mickelson Pulls Out of World Championships

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Masters champion Phil Mickelson withdrew from next week&#39;s American Express Championship in Ireland for personal reasons, the PGA Tour said Thursday.<br> <br> Mickelson, No. 4 in the world ranking, is the third player in the top 50 to pull out of the $7 million World Golf Championship event. Kenny Perry (No. 16) withdrew Tuesday, saying he wanted to spend time at home. Nick Price (No. 35) did not give a reason for not playing.<br> <br> Mickelson said two weeks ago at the Canadian Open, when he signed with Callaway, that he planned a busy fall schedule with the American Express, Las Vegas, one of the Florida tournaments and the Tour Championship.<br> <br> But he has not played well in the two tournaments since his great run through the majors - second at the U.S. Open, third at the British Open, tied for sixth at the PGA. Mickelson was a combined 144 under par in his first 16 tournaments this year, but played the last two in 12 over (tied for 43rd at the NEC Invitational, tied for 57th at the Canadian Open).<br> <br> Price has never missed a World Golf Championship except for the 2001 Match Play Championship, which was played over the holidays in Australia.<br> <br> © 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<br> <br>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/9/150990