It took Phil Mickelson a little while on Thursday to get his golf game going. I guess you can't really blame him for not being totally ready for the round, seeing as he's out worrying about his wife's health and the million other thoughts that come with the terrible news that your other half has cancer.
While most would probably avoid the golf course because, if you don't know, it forces you to think a lot, Phil decided it was time to get back to the game that has made him who he is. A first round 68 that was oh-so-Phil was exactly the answer.
More Coverage: St. Jude Leaderboard
Lefty admitted that these last few weeks have been tremendously emotional, fighting back tears during his practice rounds from all the support he is getting. Once the lovable loser that we all knew, Phil is now the featured family man that most wives wish they could have. As Phil teed it up on the 10th hole at TPC Southwind in the first round of the St. Jude Classic (featuring an organization that, ironically enough, treats cancer victims), he did what Mickelson has done so many times in the past. He took us all for an old-fashioned Phil coaster ride.
Birdies on his first two holes followed by two pars, a bogey, two more pars, one more birdie and a double-bogey on his ninth hole had him at even-par at the turn and within spitting distance of the leaders. After offsetting a birdie with a bogey through his first 13 holes, Phil turned it on, making consecutive birdies on his 16th and 17th holes of the day, leading to a crowd-pleasing two-under round that has him just four shots back of the current leader.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-11-2009 @ 3:14PM
Ed Fielding said...
I just can't stand Phil. He is a total phony. For you older folks, he reminds me of Eddie Haskell. You look beautiful today, Mrs. Cleaver. He is cashing in on his unfortunate wife's horrible disease. He has a ready made excuse if he loses, then he will be portrayed as brave. And if he wins, he did it for poor Amy. I truly wish her a full and speedy recovery. but I'm still not buyin' Phil.
Reply
6-15-2009 @ 9:08AM
Tommy Edwards said...
I can't believe anyone would say the things Ed Fielding has said.
First of all Phil is no more phony than some others I can think of on the tour.
Sedond, I'm sure that if, God forbid, Fieldings wife would be in ths situation, he would not ever return to work. Unfortunetly, Phil's work takes him away from his family for prolonged periods. To do this and attempt to concentrate on your job with positive results takes great courage. I applaud Phil and his wife for this dicision. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mickleson family.
Reply
6-11-2009 @ 6:22PM
Hi Andy said...
Get a grip Ed, and some compassion! Phil and his foundation have given millions of $ to help people. Not everyone shows their emotions the same way. I give Amy and Phil credit for making her cancer public.
Go back under your rock.
Reply
6-11-2009 @ 8:19PM
chvwheels3 said...
i agree with Ed, phony phil always has a excuse when he loses and the media is the same way .good luck Amy and for you phil hope you get to go home early this weekend
Reply
6-11-2009 @ 8:34PM
geremyian said...
Whoa guys. Come on now. I don't care a lot about Phil either, but I will not take a time like this to bash the man. He is going through a tough time and could care less what you or the media has to say about him winning or losing. We golfers know that sometimes we can pull ourselves away from the pain and troubles while on the links and this is exactly what Phil is doing. You guys who are bashing him are contradicting your statements when you say you wish Amy a speedy recover. You should wish she,Phil, and the children the very best. Hope you guys don't get a taste of your on medicine. Someone on your job or community might say the same thing about you if your spouse became sick.
Reply
6-12-2009 @ 1:11PM
jwcisler said...
I've noticed "Ed Fieldings posts before and I can say without any doubt this guy is one bitter, miserable idiots that ever posted! He's an absolute loser and should seek some help, along with "chvwheels!" I'd love to see the parents that bore these two brainiacs! Hey guys, what city do you live in? Perhaps we could meet somewhere and "discuss" your views. You two are pathetic!
Reply
6-12-2009 @ 2:53PM
woodnnicholsla said...
hey ed and chevyheels maybe you two should get a room a have some angry bitter s$# and get all that negativity out of your little tiny systems...you two clowns are a waste of the air that we all breathe...idiots
Reply
6-12-2009 @ 6:11PM
LORRETTO said...
I am sorry.....I have to vent......I as a avid golfers girlfriend (more than 7 years) ie I watch golf everyweekend and have become quite knowledgeable to the game.......but I have to vent as a mother of a cancer patient which we lost afteer a year long journey (only as a those who care) I can't believe that no matter what the outcome of Amy's treatment is there is no way I could say anybody would be ready to play the type of game he is suppose to play and still keep his mind on his wife. Guess the $$$$$$$$ is more important than the wife.
Have to remember all the people that showed you how much they cared over the last 2 weeks....
My question to Phil is if we all as fans feel for Amy is the $$$$$$$$$ all that much worth it....Because let me tell you once you have lost the love one to this horrible disease no matter $ is involved it would not matter......Amy might be telling you go play and do your what thing....BUT...as a woman and a human being she is testing to see where your priorities are and I guess you have let the whole world see......Golf vs Sick Wife......Hmmmmmmm.....Golf
Reply
6-13-2009 @ 4:18PM
hottubphil said...
I keep hearing all day today that Phil is back out on the tour because it is as he says.....The most comforting place is the golf course".......Glad I am not your wife......If the golf course is the most comforting place in your life.... I would hate to cuddle up to you at night....What ever happened the wife and children as the most comfort...back to my point...$$$$$$$$$$$$
Reply