American Phil Mickelson will now focusing on preparing for the U.S. Open later this month.

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Phil Mickelson withdraws from the Memorial Tournament citing fatigue

The four-time major winner carded a seven-over-par 79 on Thursday

The American has played in four tournaments in the last five weeks

Mickelson will now focus on preparing for the U.S. Open later this month

CNN  — 

Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Memorial Tournament on Friday, blaming fatigue as the reason behind his decision.

The world No.12 carded a torrid seven-over-par 79 on day one at the Muirfield Village Golf Club, his highest score in 43 rounds at the venue.

Mickelson has played in four tournaments over the last five weeks, while he also traveled to France and Italy to celebrate his wife Amy’s 40th birthday.

“I came back and had a Tuesday outing in Long Island, the pro am and I think mentally I’m a little bit fatigued,” the 41-year-old told the PGA Tour’s official website.

“The course here is in such great shape. It’s a beautiful way to get ready for the U.S. Open. But I’m hitting it so poorly that … I have to look at what’s best for me to play in the U.S. Open, and I’m going to take the next few days to kind of rest up.”

Mickelson’s round on Thursday included five bogeys and two double bogeys, with the American holing just two birdies.

“I think I probably just went a little bit overboard last month, and it has nothing to do with playing poorly and so forth, but I do think I need to get rested to play my best for the U.S. Open.”

The three-time Masters champion will now turn his attention to preparing for the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club later this month.

“I know it’s a course that’s very strategic that you have a lot of options off the tee and you have to have a solid game plan heading in, and I haven’t had as much time there as I’d like.”