Phil Mickelson and his wife battled many hardships over the years – from a cancer diagnosis to experiencing complicated pregnancies, including one that was life-threatening. Phil Mickelson's family was also dragged into the spotlight following a college admissions scandal.

As a highly decorated golfer, Phil has spent his entire professional career as an athlete in the public eye. However, the 45-time PGA Tour event winner shielded his personal life from prying eyes.

He kept his two-decade-long marriage to his university love under wraps, bar the handful of occasions Phil and his wife have spoken about their arduous road to parenthood, her breast cancer scare, and their family's scandal.

Phil Mickelson and Amy Mickelson with their children following Phil's win at the 142nd Open Championship on July 21, 2013, in Gullane, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images

Phil Mickelson's Wife Was by His Side Even before His Fame

Phil and his wife, Amy, were students at Arizona State University when they met in 1992. Four years later, the lovebird said 'I do' and tied the knot on November 16, 1996.

Although Amy has witnessed her husband's rise to fame over the years, she has done so from the sidelines and enjoyed a sense of privacy despite her husband becoming one of the best pro golfers.

However, in 2018, Phil shared a glimpse of his relationship with the public when he celebrated his 22nd anniversary. He took to social media to share a black-and-white picture of the couple looking into each other's eyes and smiling, and in the caption, he wrote:

"I am so appreciative to have Amy as my partner in life. Her grace, charm, kindness, laugh, smile, and brilliance have made me the luckiest man in the world. Thank you, my love, for sharing our lives together."

Phil Mickelson and Amy Mickelson at the 35th Ryder Cup Matches Gala Dinner on September, 15 2004, in Michigan. | Source: Getty Images

While Phil had already snagged his first PGA Tour event win as an amateur in 1991, his wife admitted that she knew nothing about golf as she was a tennis girl. However, she was no stranger to the world of sports as she was a member of the Phoenix Suns cheerleading squad while in university.

In 2009, Amy and Phil released a public announcement and shared that Amy had been diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 years old and required surgery. Less than two months later, his mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

Phile took time away from his craft to focus on his family but returned to golf about a month after Amy's illness was deemed treatable. Phil said:

"I'm very proud of my wife and mom on the fight they've been through, and we've been fortunate in the long term. Although day-to-day is tough, and the meds are tough, and it's not easy for them, we're fortunate that our long-term outlook looks good."

Phil Was Caught up in a Scandal Concerning His Children's Education

Amy Mickelson with children Evan, Amanda and Sophia at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on July 13, 2013, in Inverness, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images

Amy and Phil welcomed their first child, Amanda Brynn Mickelson, on June 21, 1999. But as her due date approached, Amy experienced pre-term labor and was on bed rest.

She recalled her first pregnancy's emotional rollercoaster, as her doctor instructed her to rest while Phil traveled across the country for the U.S Open. Fortunately, he made it home in time for Amanda's birth on a Monday evening. "To this day, that was the most spiritual moment of my life," Amy said.

Two years later, their second daughter, Sophia Isabel Mickelson, was born on October 23, 2001. Amy gave birth to their youngest, Evan Samuel Mickelson, on March 23, 2003.

In 2004, Phil opened up about his wife's "dangerous" third delivery and revealed that Evan had not been breathing for seven minutes, with the looming threat of severe brain damage.

Phil and Amy Mickelson with their children during the third round of the Presidents Cup on September 30, 2017, in Jersey City, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

Their son's birth took a toll on Amy, who had been two or three minutes away from dying had a radiologist not performed an emergency procedure to stop a tear in a major artery. Fortunately, Amy and Phil are parents to three beautiful children.

In 2019, Amanda was a sophomore at Brown University, Sophia was a sophomore in high school, and Evan was a freshman. However, it was the same year the Mickelson family was wrapped up in the college admissions scandal that swept America.

Phil was firm in his stance that his children were highly sought after by colleges based on their hard work and denied any wrongdoing. He added:

"I'm used to taking hits, but it hurts when you have your kids being questioned over doing nothing but working hard and studying hard, but we're going to be okay."

Phil and Amy Mickelson at the 2014 Ryder Cup on September 28, 2014, in Auchterarder, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images

While Amanda and Evan have steered clear of the spotlight, Sophia has garnered a public presence. In 2020, she enrolled at Columbia University with a 3.95 GPA and majors in Architecture.

Over the years, she has gained experience as an intern, a media marketing specialist, a freelance film director, and an editor, and in 2018, she founded her own media company.

He Is Still Philip to His Parents

While he is a world-renowned golf player, Phil shared that he is still his parent's mischievous son, who is young at heart. His father, a former Navy pilot who became a commercial airline pilot, started teaching Phil golf when he was little.

Over the years, the father/son duo played together and attended numerous golfing events. Phil celebrated his 50th birthday at his parent's home in 2020, who recalled always supporting their son. "He's always a lot of fun to be around and do things with," Phil's father said.

Time with Family Helped Phil Cope with the Scandal

Like Tiger Woods, Phil was another golfer to catch some heat in the media. After showing support for a Saudi-backed, breakaway golf tour, Phil received backlash as the country was making headlines for violating human rights.

As a result, Phil retreated to his home in California and took a step away from the spotlight. The time away did Phil well, as his mother said, "He's relaxed; he laughs all the time." Alongside his mother, Phil was joined by other family members, such as his brother and sister.

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