Golfer Phil Mickelson announced Tuesday that his wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Mickelson will leave the PGA Tour indefinitely to focus on her recovery.

We’re looking at the impact on golf and how this could actually help renew focus on cancer research…

PGATour.com brings us words of encouragement from players and officials. Billy Mayfair, a testicular cancer survivor, had this to say about Amy Mickelson.

“She may come across as a princess and not very strong, but to be a TOUR wife and your husband be one of the top players and have three kids, you have to be strong. You think of Amy and you know she's got the strength to beat this.”

This isn’t the Mickelson’s first major health scare. Back in 2003, Amy encountered life-threatening complications during the birth of their son.  They chose not to make that public.

While this most recent announcement has brought encouragement and praise, the same can’t be said for the previous incident.

The Arizona Republic notes that…

“Phil struggled through his worst season on the PGA Tour in 2003 and was pummeled with criticism on all sides for his seeming indifference considering his immense talent.”

NBC Connecticut puts a positive spin on an otherwise sobering situation.

“Mickelson's high profile gives the PGA Tour a chance to push harder than ever before for breast cancer research. It gives the LPGA Tour a chance to continue its charitable giving. And more than anything else, it gives professional sports leagues a chance to survey where they are on breast cancer - and maybe even charity at large.”

Sports Illustrated’s Golf.com agrees, saying Amy will use her visibility to make a difference.

“You can be sure that when she comes back, stamping out that disease will be another thing on her To Do list. Watch out, breast cancer. Amy's going to wear you out.”