I don't want to go off of the deep end on this topic, but Jill Painter did strike a nerve with her column in the LA Daily News.  Instead, the text of what Painter wrote is below and I want you to tell me how you feel about what she wrote.  Then, I'll share my thoughts.

The Tiger-Phil rivalry is on hold again.

Say it isn't so.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are two of the game's greatest golfers and make for some of the game's best drama, but they just can't get on the same page anymore.

If you want more Tiger vs. Phil showdowns, you'll have to go to The Golf Channel archives or hope you didn't erase the final round of this year's Masters from your TiVo.

Tiger vs. Phil is on hiatus. Last week, Mickelson's wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mickelson has left the PGA Tour indefinitely to be with his wife, who is scheduled to have "major surgery" soon, according to a statement released by his publicist.

Mickelson made the right call. His wife is a constant supporter of his and a friendly face outside the ropes. It's his time to support her in her fight against cancer.

It's not like Mickelson pulled a Manny Ramirez and robbed fans of the opportunity to watch him for selfish reasons. Family comes first.

Still, it comes at a time when the Woods and Mickelson rivalry should be in full bloom.

Woods had a nearly eight-month layoff because of injury and was just finding his groove when Mickelson's wife fell ill. Last June, Woods hobbled his way to one of the greatest U.S.Open victories in history at Torrey Pines. Also known as Phil's back yard.

I have to say, it doesn't seem like this is an appropriate time to be lamenting about what could have been with Tiger and Phil.  Writers have been playing this game for a decade - on and off - generally in line with how Phil's success level waxes and wanes.  Given Tiger's consistency, the golf world has been waiting for someone to challenge Tiger's domination. 

It has come from Mickelson in stretches, but it doesn't seem like now is the time to reflect on that given what the Mickelson family is facing.  Painter acknowledges that Phil clearly did the right thing - really, the only thing.  I guess after reading the touching articles written in support of Amy Mickelson, it seems kind of crummy to dwell on what impact it has on the course.  That's pretty irrelevant right now.

What do you think?