Hunter Mahan withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open on Saturday after learning his wife went into labor a month earlier than expected.
Despite leading the open at 13 under after 36 holes, Mahan announced he would withdraw from the golf tournament to welcome his baby daughter into the world.
The Huffington Post notes that Mahan didn’t make a big announcement on the green about his departure. Rather, he packed up his clubs and released a statement before the third round tee off, saying:
“I received exciting news a short time ago that my wife Kandi has gone into labor with our first child. Kandi and I are thrilled about the addition to the Mahan family and we look forward to returning to the RBC Canadian Open in the coming years.”
Before his departure, Hunter Mahan made an impressive charge into the lead on Friday with an eight-under 64, improving from 67 in the first round. He was set to start the third round at 1:30 pm ET on Saturday. However, play was suspended for 80 minutes because of lightning in the area.
However, Mahan never made it the 80 minutes. Instead of preparing for tee off, the pro golfer rushed to the airport for an emergency flight to Dallas , Texas, notes Fox News.
It is likely that Hunter Mahan was concerned for his wife. Not only is the child the first for the couple, but Kandi’s due date is still three weeks away. Still, the 31-year-old American was prepared for the possible news, as he took his cell phone onto the green with him.
The scene was somewhat reminiscent of Phil Mickelson at the 1998 US Open in Pinehurst. The left-hander played with his cell phone in his bag should his wife Amy go into labor during the competition. While Mickelson contended for the title, he finished second. Amy gave birth the following day.
While Hunter Mahan’s withdrawl may have cost him a massive payday, it’s understandable he would want to see his first child come into the world. Maybe next time.
[Image by Rob Poetsch via Wikimedia Commons ]
