Mickelson's brother Tim hopes to earn spot at Masters

Tim Mickelson has been a spectator at the Masters seven times, by his count, to watch his older brother Phil play. There was a span of eight years when he didn't go, before he returned this year on a hunch.

"He told me a couple of months in advance he was going to win," Tim said.

No one could have predicted the scene, with Phil accepting the green jacket from Augusta National and hugs from his wife, Amy, making her first public appearance since being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Imagine what a week he could have there next year, possibly being inside the ropes as a player. It could happen to him, or any of the other 31 golfers left after the first day of match play in the U.S. Mid-Amateur at two courses in Bridgehampton. The winner will receive an invitation to the Masters.

Tim Mickelson, 33, successfully played one hole of a playoff at the Bridge, then took a quick five-hole lead at Atlantic before closing out a taut 2-and-1 win over Mike McCoy of West Des Moines, Iowa. He must win five more matches to earn a trip down Magnolia Lane, which is too far away to contemplate. "Extra incentive," he said, "also means extra pressure. So you just go and play and see what happens."

Still, a person can't help thinking what it would be like. "To be able to play practice rounds with him at a major," Tim said, "would not just be cool for him and me, but also our parents. For them to be able to see that happen, I think that would be pretty cool."