Phil Mickelson was gearing up for his favorite time of year, working his way toward Bethpage Black and another crack at the U.S. Open before a New York gallery that treats him like a rock star.

All that changed yesterday, along with his priorities, when he disclosed that his wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mickelson is taking an indefinite leave from the PGA Tour. He withdrew from the Byron Nelson Championship, which he won in 1996. He is to defend his title next week at Colonial, but even that is uncertain. A statement from his management company said his 37-year-old wife would have more tests, though treatment would begin with "major surgery" as early as the next two weeks.

"We see Amy as this vibrant, bubbly mother of three who is tremendously devoted to her husband and family," Jack Nicklaus said. "No one, especially Amy, deserves to have to face the battle that accompanies cancer. But we know that Amy has this amazing inner strength and spirit, and with Phil's unwavering love and support, they will fight and overcome this."

Mickelson, a three-time major champion with 36 career PGA Tour victories, was closing in on the No. 1 ranking held by Tiger Woods. He was runner-up to Woods at Bethpage Black in 2002.

"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."

HALL OF FAME

OLAZABAL IN WORLD

Jose Maria Olazabal, a two-time Masters champion and part of the "Spanish Armada" with Seve Ballesteros that became the most formidable team in the Ryder Cup, has been elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Olazabal was elected on the International ballot and will be inducted Nov. 2 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.

"It's a very special feeling to be part of that group, and for me in particular, knowing that Seve is there, with the relationship I've had with him through my career," Olazabal said. "He made me believe in myself. He made me believe my game was good enough to win tournaments. I owe him everything."

Olazabal won 29 times around the world. He and Ballesteros combined to go 11-2-2 as teammates in the Ryder Cup.

Most satisfying to the 43-year-old Olazabal was that he achieved so much without having a sound swing.

"I had to work hard to be competitive," he said.