Amateur golfers contend as Mickelson withdraws name from Accenture Match Open
Veteran golfer Phil Mickelson has recently announced his marginalisation from the Accenture Matchplay Championship.
The event has been scheduled to take place in Arizona, the following month. Interestingly, the news of Mickelson’s withdrawal from the event has been met with much appreciation.
Primarily because his announcement regarding the sidelining of the event has left a spot vacant that will now be filled by other golfers looking forward to compete in the Championship.
Previously, the top-64 players were shortlisted for the event that will take place at the Ritz-Carlton GC, at Dove Mountain, from February 22-26.
However, with the departure of the 41-year-old golfer from the event, the 65th ranked player will have the opportunity to compete in the tournament.
According to Mickelson, his reason for not participating in the event has been because of a family event that is supposed to take place on the same dates as the golf event.
"I'm going to end up missing the Match Play this year as we're going to go on a family trip," Mickelson revealed.
Swedish golfer Alex Noren is at present on the 65th slot in terms of the world rankings.
However, according to pundits, other players such as Paul Lawrie, currently at the 84th position, and Padraig Harrington, possessing the 88th rank, will also be able to benefit from Mickelson’s withdrawal.
This is because of the recent success that they have achieved in the golf events they took part in.
It is important to mention here that Harrington was able to finish in the top-10 at the recently held Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa.
Following the position he has attained in this event, he has also reserved his place in the upcoming Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship this week.
Mickelson, who already has 39 PGA Tour Championships to his name, has never been able to secure a victory in Accenture Match Play.
This time it was being anticipated that the reputed golfer will battle tough with the defending champion and the World’s No. 1 Luke Donald.
His recent withdrawal from the event, where on one hand, has left his spot vacant, on the other hand, has served as a disappointment for Mickelson’s fans.
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