Phil Wins The British Open!

I like Phil Mickelson as player. He seems to be this generation's "people's champion" in much the same way Arnold Palmer was in the Nicklaus era. Beloved as much for his failures as his victories Mickelson rose from as much as a 5 shot deficit to shoot a final round 66 that was nothing short of brilliant to give him a win he never expected he'd would ever have the type of game to achieve. But, if you hit good shots and putt well you can win anywhere and Mickelson proved that today. He called it "probably the greatest round of golf in his career" and it probably was as Mickelson was flawless. Having his wife and kids there as well as his best friend and caddy, "Bones", Mickelson and company shed some much deserved tears of happiness. Next year the US Open is at Pinehurst Country Club. The same Pinehurst No 2 course Mickelson gave away his first chance to win the Open. The same Pinehurst where the winner and Mickelson's playing partner in that final round Paine Stewart broke his heart. Stewart took a devastaed Mickelson's head in his hands and reminded him he was about to be a dad the next day and he would have many more chances to win the Open. The same Paine Stewart who died 4 months later in an aircraft incident. Wouldn't it be poetic justice to have seven time runner up Phi Mickelson win his career grand slam and first US Open at Pinehurst. You bet your ass it would and I'll be rooting for him all the way.

Tiger Woods continued his futility in majors with a blase final round. Just when Tiger was in realistic range for a comeback win he faded. The guy once dubbed as the guy you'd want to make a putt if your life was on the line can't seem see the line anymore. Truly, it's been since Tiger's ex Elin whacked him in the head with a golf club and their marriage became a raging dumpster fire in front of the whole world that Tiger has been a real factor in golf. Golf wants Tiger to be No 1. Tiger's fans want him to be No 1 and I'm sure Tiger wants to be No 1 again but he may not have it in him anymore. The mystique of Tiger is gone. He doesn't scare anyone any more. He's still a better than average pro but will he ever dominate again? It really doesn't seem like he will. The USA needs a new young lion to step up and take control of golf but nobody has exhibited the cajones to get it done. It's been 17 majors since Tiger last won one and he ain't getting any younger. Tiger was a predator of the nth degree but he's been declawed to some extent and the hyena's are closing ranks to swallow him up. There was the Golden Bear followed by the Great White Shark (Greg Norman) and then Tiger who had the game to be the greatest ever. That seems to be a thing of the past now. A new Alpha Male needs to wrest control of USA golf and by default World golf. Who the hell is it going to be?