Wedge man Phil Mickelson returns to work this week.
(Jim Epler/Flickr)
WITH THE ARIZONA CARDINALS in the Super Bowl and the FBR Open at TPC Scottsdale, it’s sure to be a raucous weekend in the Phoenix area. World No. 4 Phil Mickelson is set to make his 2009 season debut in an FBR Open field that includes 99 of the top 125 players on the PGA Tour money list.
“Phil, of course, is our largest draw,” Phoenix Thunderbirds chairman John Felix told The Arizona Republic, “but we have a lot of other great players who will have a significant impact with our crowd.”
Lefty is a two-time winner of the event. Last year he lost to J.B. Holmes in a playoff.
So, what’s up with Phil carrying all those wedges (including five at Colonial, where he won)? Here’s how he explained it at Callaway Golf:
“My scoring takes place around the greens,” Lefty said, “so I want to have as many options as possible to tackle the different lies and the different shots that we encounter in some of these conditions.”
This will be Phil’s 20th appearance at the Phoenix-area tour stop, where he’s always been a fan favorite. We’ll soon find out if that fan love and those clever wedges translate to a strong season opener for the left-handed one.
Mickelson File
Turned pro: 1992
Birthplace: San Diego, CA
College: Arizona State University
World ranking: 4
PGA Tour wins: 34
Major wins: 3
Teacher: Butch Harmon
Equipment: Callaway
−The Armchair Golfer
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good morning/evening armchair, Phil ughh!!! he’s good, has a great record, but that ego ruins him. He may finish in the top 7, if he starts in the first 13. you know how he plays, watch him drop sunday, if he is leading
I know that 34 wins speak for themselves, but I think Mickelson is overrated. He gives a great and always intelligent interview but he just doesn’t do anything for me. Shame, really, because he seems to be a very nice guy. I agree with MH that he tends to fall short when he begins in a very good position.
Mickelson is not overrated. If he’s overrated what is everyone else? His record speaks for itself.
MH and Lancer: I expect that many share your views. I’ve always felt that Phil had the talent to win more but threw away some opportunities. That could also be said of others on tour.
Rev: Yes, compared to everyone except You Know Who, Lefty has an enviable record. No question.