Phil Mickelson's British Open Is Unofficially Over, 8-Over Through Nine Holes

When Tiger Woods cut short his 2008 season to have knee surgery after the 91-hole madness at Torrey Pines, it opened up everything. So far, Kenny Perry has been the tour's best golfer, but since he has a strict no-major policy, the favorite at this week's Open Championship was, well, just about everybody.

Except Phil Mickelson, which is sorta weird given that he's a three-time major winner. The problem, other than the above-the-neck stuff, is that Philbert's game just doesn't lend itself to links golf. As TNT's Ian Baker-Finch mentioned during this morning's telecast, Mickelson's so concerned about his trajectory during the British Open that is paralyzes his game.

(In case you don't follow golf all that closely and are wondering what trajectory has to do with anything, here are the current weather conditions at Royal Birkdale: 50s with 30 mph wind gusts. High-ball hitters are at a distinct disadvantage. Hi, Phil!)

So, it should come as no real surprise that through nine holes, Mickelburger has already played himself out of the tournament. He went out seven strokes over par, and then he promptly bogeyed the 10th. (Mental toughness + hi-arcing shots = ridiculously high scores.)

It's way too early to suggest he doesn't have a chance this week, but if history is any guide, Lefty is already preparing for the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills in three weeks.

In related news, FanHouse on-course reporter Shane Bacon points out that Vijay Singh is 11-over through 14 holes (only four pars). John Daly is 3-over through nine holes, and has had just 12 beers*.

* Likely untrue