We all know the difficulty of balancing family with career. We struggle with it constantly, always trying to be able to work, make a living, and accomplish as well as giving our families the time they need. This has to be particularly difficult for single parents or those with heavy responsibilities.

Yesterday I had the privilege of watching the highlights of the British Open Championship, the oldest major championship in golf. Seeing Phil Mickelson win by hitting great shots and making difficult putts was a joy. Hearing what he said about balancing family and golf was even better.

In an interview with Tom Rinaldi on ESPN, Phil Mickelson answered Rinaldi’s question about how he accomplishes balancing playing golf around the world and giving his family what they need.

Mickelson is known in the golfing world as a great family man with three beautiful children. His wife has had breast cancer. Several years ago, he curtailed his career to care for his wife. Last month at the United States Open Championship, the only major tournament Phil Mickelson has never won, Phil flew all night from his home in California to Pennsylvania so he could be at his daughter’s eighth grade graduation. He finished as the runner-up in the tournament, something he has done six times.

I watched as Mickelson’s family hugged him yesterday after the tournament. It was a beautiful sight. If you watch sports at all you have probably seen it by now. If you don’t watch sports, it will be worth your effort.

That eighth grader may soon forget being in Edinburgh, Scotland, where her daddy won an important golf tournament. She probably will never forget how her father went out of his way to be at her eighth grade graduation.

Phil Mickelson answered the question about balance like this. He said, “you manage,” and you do “the best you can.” Balancing family and responsibilities requires effort, selflessness, and sacrifice.

May you and I learn a lesson from a golfer about giving our families what they so desperately need.

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