Canadian Open leader Hunter Mahan drops out after wife goes into labour
Tournament leader, ahead by two shots, rushes off after wife's early labour starts with first child
Hunter Mahan turned his back on potential million-dollar payday walking away from a two-shot lead at the Canadian Open to return home for the birth of his first child.
Athletes in North America's big four professional sports leagues are routinely granted time off to attend the birth of a child and never miss a cheque.
Even Britain's Prince William was given leave from his military duties to be with his wife Katherine when she gave birth to their first child last week.
Mahan's decision, however, to rush home to be with his wife Kandi, who suddenly went into labour, could have come with a considerable price tag with the US$1 million winner's cheque.
"The birth of a child is an unforgettable experience," said world No6 Matt Kuchar, who started the final round just two shots back of new leader Brandt Snedeker. "It just happens only maybe once in a lifetime.
"It's something that's special, something that's completely magical and unforgettable.