Mickelson will play BMW Championship at Cog Hill

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NORTON, Mass. -- While Tiger Woods, who leads the FedExCup standings, made his decision official before noon, Phil Mickelson waited until after he finished his first round at TPC Boston on Friday to commit to next week's BMW Championship.

Mickelson

Mickelson, who ranks 10th in the FedExCup and second in the world, shot an even-par 71 in the first round of the Deutsche Bank Championship. He finished his round shortly after 6 p.m., signed a gauntlet of autographs and then headed to the locker room without comment.

Ten minutes later, a member of Mickelson's management staff contacted TOUR officials and said he was committing to the third event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Players have until 30 minutes after the close of play on Friday to commit to the following week's tournament.

Mickelson's decision to play at Cog Hill, of course, hinges on the health of his wife, Amy, who is currently receiving treatment for breast cancer. He has won two tournaments in 2009, bringing his career total to 36, but has taken two extended breaks to be with her.

Woods, the No. 1 player in the world, had said he would play all four Playoff events last week during The Barclays, where he tied for second. The man who has won five times already this year made it official Friday morning.

Woods is very familiar with Cog Hill. He won the BMW Championship there in 2007 on the way to winning the inaugural FedExCup. He also won the tournament in 1997, '99 and 2003 when it was known as the Western Open.

Woods has a total of eight top-10s at Cog Hill in 12 starts, including two runner-up finishes.

Camilo Villegas will defend his title at the BMW Championship next week. He made the tournament, which was held last year at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, his first of two straight wins on the way to a second-place finish in the FedExCup.