More Family Time for Mickelson

Day 54 without playing golf

Phil Mickelson will join Tiger Woods in skipping the season-opening Mercedes Championships at Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii. It will be Lefty's second straight absence from the event. Phil was last eligible to play in the winners-only tournament in 2003.

"I'm probably going to catch some heat for that," Mickelson told USA Today. But not from Amy and the kids.

Don't be surprised if Phil waits until the Bob Hope Desert Classic in February to begin his 2006 campaign.

The Armchair Golfer