The 19^th Hole

April 2, 2006

It’s Just Phil Being Phil

Phil Mickelson dominated the field this week at the BellSouth Classic.  He wound up winning the event by a baker’s dozen of strokes over Jose Maria Olazabal (who finished in second last year, also).  This is the second consecutive year Mickelson has won the week before the Masters. 

A well known fact among golf fans is that no person who has ever won the tournament before the Masters went on to pick up a green jacket in Augusta the next week.  That historical fact is partially why a lot of big names never tee it up the week before the Masters.  But, as a sign of how unconventional Phil is, Mickelson has never seemed to mind.  In several ways, his victory this week demonstrates that uniqueness.

For starters, Mickelson experimented with two drivers in the bag this week on a Tournament Players Club layout that he absolutely loves.  Why he would mess around on a course that he has a great record is beyond most people, but Phil just wanted to try something different.  He removed his middle wedge and went with driver number two – which let him more accurately control lefty cut shots off the tee.  It must have worked because Phil wound up more under par than he ever has been.

Mickelson did not seem to see this week as a tune up of sorts for the Masters.  He played this event as he would any other time of the year – to win and in style.  He was aggressive all week in his traditional style and left very few shots out on the course.  The media, and fans, were immediately wondering if Phil has anything left in the tank for Augusta National.  Phil did not seem to think that far ahead.  He was just having fun.  Mickelson does not seem to grasp this concept that may be invention and may be truth, but can you argue with the results?

On Sunday, when it was clear that Mickelson would win after he made par on the first hole, he did not let up like most would do in his position.  Rather, he felt that sizeable lead of his gave him license to continue his aggressive pace around the TPC at Sugarloaf.  Mickelson continued to light up the course on Sunday – maybe in an attempt to get out of town as fast as possible.  Phil was not content to simply mail in the final round and take his check.  He was unable to turn off that aggressiveness that has garnered him so many fans over the years.

Last, Mickelson’s attitude throughout the entire week seemed to be very calm and cheery.  Even when the weather delay on Sunday interrupted Phil’s round after a birdie and an eagle, he appeared to be perfectly content to take a break.  Most players would be disappointed after being forced to halt a chance at the PGA TOUR 72 hole scoring record.  It did not even seem to bother Phil.

As you can probably tell, I’m a Phil Mickelson fan and apologist.  There are plenty of people who would have pointed to the same things – and others – and find fault in them.  For me, though, it is the unconventional method that Phil seems to operate that seems appealing to me.  His entire career has been mired by critics that have cited his unconventional approach as the reason for his questionable major record.

In the face of that criticism though, Mickelson has never stopped doing things his way.  He disappears for weeks to spend time with his family.  He practices at inopportune times.  Phil has a reputation for being aggressive to the point of Neanderthal stupidity sometimes.  Those things work for Phil Mickelson, though, and they have been consistent over the years.  They have paid off to the tune of two majors, lots of money, a great family, and a life almost any person would take.  Even if he does not win a second green jacket this week in the Masters, Mickelson will be content and continue to do things his way – and be happy about it.

Ryan Ballengee is host of The 19^th Hole Golf Show, found at The Golf Newsnet.com.  You can also get The 19^th Hole on the go through podcasting by clicking here Feedburner.com - The 19th Hole Golf Show.  Contact Ryan via e-mail at the19thholeshow@hotmail.com.

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