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Jun 6th, 2017
Should US Open dates be changed?
To avoid graduation clashes?
Words: Tim Southwell Photography: Getty Images
The idea of Phil Mickelson not turning up to the US Open doesn't bare thinking about. It's the only major he hasn't won and he's been so close so many times. And there's actually an online petition asking for his daughter's college to change the graduation date. Seriously.
Didn't the USGA know that at some point, their star players will have children who turn into young adults and go to college? Well, they know now.
"Bugger, I've just realised I've completely forgotten about my anniversary" Lefty realises the US Open is not only difficult to win, but quite hard to attend without upsetting someone: Oakmont 2016...
Such is the consternation of Lefty missing out on one of his dwindling chances to win the 'elusive one', some fans have created an online petition asking – with no apparent hint of irony – Mickelson's daughter's college to change its graduation commencement date.
The petition is the 'brainchild' of Derek Deminsky, a PGA professional from Tuscon, Ariz., who is imploring Pacific Ridge School to move its commencement up at least one day. The school's graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 15th, the day the Open begins, which would be noon local time at Erin Hills.
Here's Deminsky's impassioned plea:
"On behalf of golf fans everywhere, I am requesting to see if there is ANY WAY possible to reschedule your graduation ceremony to Wed June 14th (or before) to allow Phil Mickelson to play in this year's U.S. Open and continue his quest for the career Grand Slam.
"For Phil not to play to see Amanda speak is absolutely beautiful and shows the kind of caring father and family man he is, but if there is ANY WAY POSSIBLE to move it to the day before, I and MILLIONS of golf fans everywhere would GREATLY appreciate it!"
You have to admire his chutzpah. His front. His mishky. His... (Stop this now – Ed)...
"Let's get this wrapped up fast kids, I'm due at one of your graduations I think..."
Pacific Ridge responded to a comment request from Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner with this:
"We take confidentiality seriously and do not comment on our students or families out of respect for their privacy. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2017 on June 15th."
You can sign the petition here. If you want...
As of just now it has 1,344 signatures. GolfPunk will not be the 1,345th...
