Phil Mickelson has been through almost all of golf’s ups and downs, triumphs as well as epic collapses. He has taken some blows from real life as well, with his wife and mother both battling breast cancer, a twist in his life that colored everything that happened at the Masters this year.
So perhaps the final round at Augusta National no longer holds quite the fear factor it once did. Certainly his two previous titles here helped, as did an adoring gallery, which already reflexively rooted for the amiable star and now is fully aware of his family’s heart-tugging plight as well. But it might explain how the golfer known for his on-course gambles that so often backfire managed his round on Sunday without a single bogey.
The contrast of Phil and his wife embracing after their year of struggle and now Phil’s triumph and the saga of Tiger Woods illustrates like nothing else just how disgusting Tiger is.
I remember when Tiger first came out and his father was telling anyone who would listen that once Tiger realized his potential, he would change the world. Poor, delusional Earl Woods…
as Phil walked from the 17th to 18th hole, the fans were chanting “Amy.” God was pleased.
I admit that I was waiting for Phil to somehow snatch defeat from the jaws of victory like he’s done too many times before, but he really kept it together today. He had an outstanding tournament. His back-to-back eagles on Saturday (and damn near a third) were simply the best three holes I’ve ever seen!
Regarding Tiger, he showed just how talented he is to come back and play that competitively. You can’t deny him that. But for him to have won today would have been pure injustice.
Leftys rule!! You can’t help but be proud of Phil. Nice guys do finish first, sometimes.
A happy ending for sure. Phil gambled and won with some typically bold shots. And yes, #3, I’m glad he didn’t blow it this time. I’m glad he won; he’s a truly great player, and yes, a nice guy too.
I loved what Michelson did last week, kindly allowing the oncologist who treats his wife and mother to caddy for him the last three holes in the warm up tournament. It turns out the doc was a caddy when he was working his way through college and he actually did a great job helping Lefty read the greens and pick the right club in the fairway. Phil came in under par on the three holes.
David Handy+