US Open Form Guide

08	07	06	05	04	03	02	01	00	99
18	MC	2	33	2	55	2	7	16	2

Four weeks ago the news that Phil Mickelson's wife Amy had breast cancer broke, leading to an immediate postponement of his schedule and a bleak future. But then doctors offered hope and Mickelson returned to action in the St Jude event at TPC Southwind. You got the sense that Mickelson was encouraged by Amy (his greatest supporter) to get back out there. So when we consider the Californian's chances this week we have to judge an imponderable - will his wife's illness be an understandable distraction or the ultimate inspiration? Tiger Woods' nearest rival here at Bethpage in 2002, Mickelson ought to have a US Open title to his name by now (only two catastrophic final hole decisions prevented him taking the crown in 2006). But were those blunders symptomatic of a flawed nature that will never conquer the ultimate test of golfing patience? Or may his family problems inspire him to complete the job if he gets that close again? Only the hardest of hearts would wish otherwise if the opportunity presents itself.