Capelle On Golf

A book could be written on Phil Mickelson’s fall from the top of major championship golf, and his subsequent return, and possibly will, considering that he penned One Magical Sunday  (a very enjoyable book) following his victory at the 2004 Masters.

After more than 40 attempts to win his first major, Mickelson broke the ice at that Masters, then built on the momentum, adding two more in the next 24 months.Then disaster struck at the 2006 U.S. Open when he blew the event on the 72nd hole.

His mental game went into a dark hole following that famous wide left at Winged Foot, and he was not a factor in the next six majors, failing to post a top 10 while missing two cuts. But rather than throw in the towel, Mickelson hired Butch Harmon to improve his swing, and he worked hard on his body as well, dropping the body fat and building a set of guns that rival Woods’ massive biceps.

The turnaround gained momentum at the 2008 Masters when he managed three top sevens in his next five majors. Still, he did not contend strongly again in a major until last year’s U.S. Open where he finished second, amazingly enough, despite the recent news that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Still, he closed the season with two impressive wins over Woods, leading everyone to believe that a big 2010 was on the horizon.

Mickelson Return to the Top (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, PGA)
2006–W, 2t, 22t, 16t
2007–24t, MC, MC, 32t
2008–5t, 18t, 19t, 7t
2009–5, 2t, DNP, 73
2010–W

But leading up to the Masters the best Mickelson could manage in seven starts this season was an 8t nearly two months ago. However, as Mickelson’s woes continued, he kept saying he was “close,” (shades of Woods and his changes prior to the 2005 Masters) and that the work with Harmon and Dave Stockton would show results soon enough.

Mickelson, who is known for his sunny disposition and ability to put a positive spin on things, kept saying  “I love this place,” referring of course to Augusta National. Considering that he now owns three Masters titles, you’ve got to believe him. His mood was also brightened when wife Amy and his three children showed up on Tuesday - the first time he enjoyed their company on the road in 11 months.

In one of the greatest weekends in Masters history where eagles flew, birdies chirped, and shots reverberated in the trees, Mickelson fashioned two 67s to win by three shots with a 16 under par score of 272, a deceptively large margin and a new record for the longer version of Augusta National.

Going into the 12th hole he was only -12, and one of many who could still win. He trailed K.J. Choi by a shot and was tied with Lee Westwood, his playing partner. A few moments later, Anthony Kim completed a run of five under golf on holes 13-16 to go to -12.

So Mickelson went to work. He challenged the pin at the treacherous 12th, stuck his 9-iron to 20 feet, then rolled it in for a momentum building birdie. After driving into the pine straw on 13, he hit a 6-iron 207 yards off the needles, through the trees, over Rae’s Creek, and to within five feet of a pin that was just over the water! Though he missed his eagle putt, his birdie took him to -14 and it gave him the lead.

A massive drive on the par five 15th lead to a two putt birdie. With a three shot lead, the win appeared certain as he played 17. But Westwood scored a clutch birdie, which forced Mickelson to make a 6 footer to save par. He made it giving him a two shot lead heading to the 72nd hole. On 18 he played a smart 3-wood off the tee, hit his second pin high, then holed out from 15 feet for the final three shot margin.

So, while Tiger Woods was the big story as the week began, Mickelson deservedly took center stage come early Sunday evening. His win for the ages resurrected his career in the majors, treated fans to some amazing golf, and proved that nice guys who really do put family first can win.