Phil Mickelson does it at The Players
May 15th, 2007 by Olaf Bound.sNo wonder Golfnick gave this man the top marks at our recent post as the man to challenge Tiger Woods for his No. 1 spot. His short game was tremendous! Phil had made shots out of nowhere even he was staring at big numbers. His scrambling ability was nothing short of miraculous. And the most apparent improvement came from his once suspect long game (especially his driver). I wonder who is laughing louder, Phil or Butch Harmon (his new swing coach). Can we credit at least 30% of this success to Butch? This man has already proven his worth with (who else!) Tiger, Olazabal, Adam Scott and former great Greg Norman. But let’s not take the full credit away from Phil, who has been knocking at the door for too many a year now.
The Players was a real treat to Golf viewers around the globe as well. The course had really lived up to its top billing as the 5th major of Golf Championship. The original brainchild of the USPGA ex-commissioner Deane Beman. Much criticized for his decision to make this tournament a severe test way back when the tournament started years ago, must have felt vindicated yesterday. Although the venue has been renovated extensively, the tournament showed golfers how difficult the set up of the course really affects the game and no technology can ruin this fact!
The 17th hole had claimed 51 balls on the very first day. The yardage, a mere 128 yards. Again, on the very last day Sean O’Hair two shots off the lead dunked two balls into the water. Ending all hopes of even 2nd place! But all in all, the tournament was Phil Mickelson to lose.
How good will Phil get with Butch Harmon by his side? Time will tell and in two weeks time, The US Open will show a true story of a rejuvenated Phil against a roaring Tiger. And we can only hope that it will get as good as it can get!