Cancer of Phil's wife detected early

NEW YORK – Phil Mickelson says doctors believe they discovered his wife’s breast cancer early.

Amy Mickelson, who learned of the breast cancer last week, went through extensive testing this week.

“We have a wonderful team of doctors helping us, and it is believed that we caught this early,” Mickelson said on his Web site on Thursday. “We are anxiously waiting for a number of test results that will help guide us in the best possible direction.”

Mickelson, the absent defending champion of this week’s Crowne Plaza Invitational, has taken an indefinite leave from the U.S. PGA Tour as he learns the extent of his 37-year-old wife’s health.

Support has poured in from everywhere, and the world’s No. 2 golfer took notice.

John Daly wore pink pants in the final round of a European Tour event on Sunday, while Rory Sabbatini wore a pink shirt to pay tribute to Amy Mickelson when he won the Byron Nelson Championship. Most other players wore a pink ribbon on their hats.

The US PGA Tour Wives Association, with the tour and Crowne Plaza Invitational officials, are asking players and their wives to wear pink clothing on Saturday for a “Pink Out” designed to show support. (AP)