He walked up to the 18th green. He wasn't going to win and the crowd knew it. They still gave Him a hero's' welcome. The Disney movie script was cancelled. He had so much on his mind but was relieved to have played so well. The crowd tried to will him to victory all weekend. Never the less, He had used this weekend, this course, and the fans as salvation. He knew what was ahead was much tougher than what He had just went through.
The US Open was this past weekend. 3 headlines arose following the event. Lucas Glover (Who?) won for the 2nd time ever in his PGA career. Tiger didn't win. 3rd, the fact that Phil Mickelson played in it and had a chance to win. In case you have been in a cave with no electricity, Phil's wife, Amy has breast cancer. She will be undergoing treatment soon. Phil had pondered the thought of not playing in the US Open. Instead he played well enough to put him in contention to win an event he wants to win more than any other Major Championship. Phil played as if he had nothing to lose. In fact, he didn't. His biggest challenge lies ahead.
Phil will be taking a leave of absence from golf. He already said he will be missing the British Open. Last year at the same time, Tiger was hurt and missed the rest of the season. I am not going to compare Tiger and Phil the golfers, but more on personalities. I am however going to miss Phil more than Tiger. Why? Well first of all I like more story lines in golf than just Tiger vs The Field. I can put myself in Phil's shoes more than Tiger's and it has nothing to do with race. Phil has flaws even on the golf course. Phil is a blue collar type of a person. Phil also shows emotion whether its his huge smile ore complete disgust. Tiger is almost robotic on the course. Tiger only does a fist pump here or an angry swing there. Tiger also rarely ever shows flaws. Don't read this the wrong way I like both guys. I just favor Phil.
I have a huge man crush on Phil Mickelson. I am not afraid to say that. I can remember back at the Masters in 2004, when Phil finally put it all together and won his first major. I sat at home on my couch watching, hoping, and pleading Phil would win. There are only a few sporting events that have made me cry. Yes, I a 25 year old male, will admit I have cried because of a sporting event. I was so wrapped up in Phil and his chase to lose the lovable loser title. On the 18th green, Phil putted to a victory. He leaped in the air like a little kid and the monkey flew off his and his fan's back. He got his green jacket and Amy was there loving every moment of it.
I think that is why I got so captivated. Here was a guy who couldn't win the big one. Phil struggled in every major and his wife stood by his side through it all. Now, the roles are reversed. Phil can't putt to a victory this time. He can only be there for support. I know I speak for everyone at BBSD, when I say we wish Amy a healthy and speedy recovery.
J Call
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