Mickelson supports Tiger´s decision

Phil Mickelson supports Tiger Woods’ decision to withdraw from the Safeway Open if his game is not yet ready.

Mickelson, who just spent a week with Woods at the Ryder Cup, understands the decision made by the 14-time major champion.

“All the members of the media that were coming here when he was committed and all the analysis of his swing, analysis of his game, all that stuff leads to pressure,” Mickelson said, via GolfChannel.com.

“If he doesn’t feel like it’s right, then he needs to wait. We support him.”

Mickelson agreed that Woods’ departure hurt the tournament and the hype surrounding it.

He also understands Woods is a calculated player who will not return until he is comfortable.

“We all want Tiger to come back, but we want him to come back when he’s ready,” Mickelson said. “If he doesn’t feel like he’s ready, then he should wait.

“We’ll all wait in anticipation and we’re excited, but I understand there’s a lot of pressure not just to come back but to perform when he does come back.”

Woods said on Monday that he still plans on competing in the Hero Wold Challenge in December.

However, that is a limited-field event, and not an official PGA Tour tournament.