Every Monday during the PGA Tour season, Monday Pin Placement will run as a wrap-up of the weekend's action. Basically, we'll focus on what you missed while you were out grinding on the putting green.If you've ever checked this page (or Dogs That Chase Cars) you'll know one thing -- I'm far from a Phil Mickelson fan. Far from one. If Phil, who finished tied for 59th at the St. Jude Championship, was a nice pair of Bugatti shoes, then I'm the old Converse that sit neglected in the back corner of your closet.
For me, it isn't anything more than a personality change. Back in 2004, you couldn't have moved me away from the television when Mickelson was charging on the back nine of Augusta like a demolition ball. I loved him. I adored him. He had more guts than I did on the golf course. He took chances. He was a fellow left-hander that left it all on the golf course and never let anyone tell him his style was wrong.
Yet something happened after he claimed that green jacket. He wasn't my favorite anymore. He wasn't as appealing. He just seemed smug and fake and sported a grin better suited for a porcelain doll than a golfer. Like people who develop taste or distaste for politicians, I eventually found I had more in common with the other guy. I became a Tiger Woods fan. He was what golf was supposed to be. If there was a smart shot to play, Tiger played it. Want proof? The last time I can think of Tiger Woods making a poor decision off the tee was in the 2003 Masters, when he hit his driver on the third hole at Augusta into the trees. Six years ago. Pretty incredible.
Well, as a sportswriter on a website like FanHouse that allows comments to come through with little filter, it has been a pretty interesting dilemma to deal with the Amy Mickelson breast cancer news. Most people have been supportive of Phil, giving out their thoughts and prayers just like they'd do to a friend or colleague. Some, despite Phil's recent personal struggles, can't get over the fact that Phil has always been the FIGJAM of our lives. People remember when Mickelson didn't sign an autograph years ago or how he was in a round and didn't shake hands with their son. Nobody cares to check if Phil had a bad round that day or if he was actually focused more on the golf than the thousands of fans that follow him daily.
I had the opportunity to follow Mickelson as a fan at the Colonial years ago. Since he was the biggest name there and I'd heard some stories of how he interacted, I was interested to see just how he danced between the ropes. After watching him warm up and play a few holes, I was content. No, he wasn't signing autographs during his round (nobody does that) but he did smile and fist-bump fans as he walked between holes. The guy understands his fan base and doesn't want to frustrate them by being something he isn't.
Mickelson is a polarizing sports star, one that people seem to either really like or avoid like the Swine Flu. Well, right now, he's a human, and he's dealing with something that is rattling his world. Instead of worrying about the way he treated one of us years ago or rehash the stories a friend of a friend has about Phil being a jerk in a pro-am, maybe we should just give the man a little love and send our goodwill towards him. If we don't, how are we any better than the person we're accusing?
Gay Rolls To Another Victory -- You know that old saying, "you drive for show and putt for dough?" Yeah, I've always found it pretty ridiculous, since hitting your driver in the trees sure doesn't give you a lot of looks at birdie. The person it does work well for is Brian Gay, who obliterated the field at the St. Jude Championship on his way to his second win since mid-April.
Gay was 76th in the field in driving distance, averaging just 265 yards per strike (Michelle Wie, at the McDonald's LPGA Championship, averaged 272.5 yards off the tee) but was second in the field in putts per round and first in putts per green in regulation.
At the Verizon Heritage, where Gay won his first event of 2009, he was a salty third in putts per green in regulation on his way to a ten-shot victory. I think it is fair to say that when Gay gets the putter rolling, dough will be in the equation.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
This guy, "Bacon" is so full of himself! He also calls himself a "sports writer"! PLEASE give us a break! I've been fortunate enough to play a couple of rounds(for fun)with Lefty and a couple of his ex ASU teamates a few years ago and he was every bit as gracious, fun and an absolute pleasure to be around. One of the nicest highlights in my life! I couln't care less what this "writer" has for an opinion.
Oh, you as a sports writer were once a Lefty fan.
Garbage! You were never a Phil Fan. You're just
a sad journalist and a Tiger Woods Fan Boy. Why
don't you get lost along with all the other fake
and plastic sports writers. Woods will never break
Jack's record of 19 Majors and he won't win at
the Black Course either this year!
He's a fair weather Tiger fan at that, which is fine, everyone can't be equipped to appreciate absolute perfection. But he really lost me when he tried to compare Michelle Wie (zero wins, zero majors) with the great Phil Mickelson (36 wins, 3 majors). My guess is that he'd make a helluva miniature golf reporter..
Well you know how to get a rise out of people. Guess your articles are losing luster. I've seem Phil at many tournaments and pro am's , even seen him outside a tournament. EVERY TIME I observed him and that was constantly he is CLASS ALL THE WAY AND REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one is nicer or more friendly person . Hes the nicest of any tour player too!!!!!!!!
Phil may not have Eldrick's game but he has more class in his pinky than that fist-pumping,arrogant,self-absorbed,pos Woods will ever have.
Strange article.
Maybe Mr. Bacon had nothing to write about and labored, better concocted a story that is no story.
Grandma used to say, if you have nothing to say, just be quiet. This one is a none starter.
Bacon's article is crap - so it took a Family emergency with Phil's Wife for Phil to qualify for "let him be" status? The bottom line is many PGA pros are jealous of Phil like Singh, Appleby and Tiger. Phil is the most popular player with the fans even more so than Tiger and that's a fact. Tiger reminds me of a liberal politician that gets a free pass from the media.
Phil is a jerk and a total phony. Is now and always has been. Phil came back and is using his wife's terrible disease to drum up sympathy for himself. If he wins, it will be because he is so brave and if he loses, it will be because he couldn't concentrate while thinking about Amy. It's in his DNA and it's ingrained into his personality. Having said that, I certainly extend my hopes and prayers for his beautiful wife.
Just like all his other posts, "Ed Fielding" needs took get some "help"! What an idiot! Miserable and illiterate sums up this low life! I offered the opportunity to meet and "discuss" his short comings in another article post he did. This idiots parents must be so proud of him. NOT!
Hey ED you hit the nail right on the head.Phil had the chance to take control of the sport when Tiger was out after surgery of course he failed.Someone also says the media gives Woods a free pass,but some of you knuckle heads are taking care of that.Also for the past month the media has created this win one for Amy,Phil is one of the guys and is always pushing for a number 1 Woods vs number 2 Mickelson showdown.Why is Phil number 2.Because Woods doesn't kiss up he is a villan.I thought there were other players on the tour.Even if Phil were to win which he won't that wouldn't make him more than a middle of the pack average golfer.In sports you have teams and players with a jinx,Chicago Cubs,L.A Clippers,Buffalo Bills,Phoenix Coyotes and Phil Mickelson.