Hunter Mahan, who withdrew from the PGA Canadian Open with the 36-hole lead to attend the birth of his first child, welcomed his new daughter Zoe on Sunday morning.
The 31-year-old American was on the practice range at Glen Abbey before his third round when he learned that his wife Kandi had gone into labor. He rushed from the course and caught a flight from Toronto to Dallas.
“What a whirlwind of a day, but I’m happy to announce the birth of my daughter Zoe Olivia Mahan born at 3:26 am. Thanks for all the support!” Mahan said in a Twitter posting Sunday.
“Both Baby and Mom are doing great. Thanks to all to my sponsors who appreciate what’s important in life and all my fans for being Awesome!”
It was unclear when Mahan might return to the PGA Tour. He is entered in next week’s World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational and set for the season’s final major, the PGA Championship, the following week.
Mahan’s situation evoked memories of Phil Mickelson at the 1998 US Open at Pinehurst when the US left-hander, who won last week’s British Open, was playing with a cell phone in his bag awaiting news that his wife Amy was going into labor.
Mickelson contended for the title but finished second and became a father the next day.
Mahan had fired a 67 in the first round and a 64 in the second to stand atop the Canadian Open leaderboard at 13-under par 131 for 36 holes.
He was seeking the sixth US PGA Tour victory of his career and his first of the season. His best showing this year was a runner-up effort at the World Golf Championships Match-Play Championship.
'Runaway' leader Mahan arrives for daughter's birth
