Embracing his wife Amy after sinking a birdie on the 18th green
of Augusta National to cement his third Masters championship, the
tears streamed from Phil Mickelson’s eyes. They were real tears,
not forced to create drama.
Embracing his wife Amy after sinking a birdie on the 18th green of Augusta National to cement his third Masters championship, the tears streamed from Phil Mickelson’s eyes. They were real tears, not forced to create drama.
After a birdie on the 18th to finish tied for fourth, five strokes behind Mickelson, Tiger Woods came off just as arrogant as ever in a post-round interview.
The two golfers have always been considered polar opposites of each other; Woods so cool and calm under pressure while “Lefty” buckles from time to time. Major championships came at an alarming rate for Woods as he firmly planted himself among golf’s greats. Mickelson had to go through some disappointments before earning his first major.
They haven’t had the strongest relationship over the years — and that has been documented — but their behaviors Sunday after the final round of the Masters proved why.
Mickelson, who joined Jimmy Demaret, Nick Faldo, Sam Snead and Gary Player as three-time winners, appears to be a genuinely nice guy. Woods, on the other hand, pretty much demonstrated he has been faking his “nice guy” persona for years.
Woods (4), Arnold Palmer (4) and Jack Nicklaus (6) top the list of green-jacket winners.
Before the Masters began, I didn’t want to believe that Woods was that horrible and lost. But after showing zero humility during an on-air interview after the final round, all the gossip and coverage of his behavior off the course leading up to the November car crash that busted open the sex-scandal flood gates (and his lip, too) totally makes sense now.
I would watch golf solely because of Woods. He is undoubtedly the best golfer in the world; his championship resume speaks for itself. For him to be out five months and still place in the top five at one of the toughest tournaments is baffling. However, I can never and may never see him in the same light.
Who is the real Tiger?
Fans will continue to forgive him, and let’s face it, he is exciting to watch. But it will never be the same.
How poetic was it that a man, who has stood by his wife’s side as she has battled breast cancer, won the prestigious tournament as Woods made his anticipated return to the golf course? It was great to see a true expression of love between Phil and Amy.
He may not fully admit it, but Mickelson must have been motivated by the return of golf’s prodigal son. He must have wanted to win one for the good guys, for the everyday dad, husband and role model.
Leading up to the Masters, Mickelson had been criticized by some members of the media who cover the sport for not winning more during Woods’ absence.
He had been clearly distracted with family issues and dealing with his wife’s illness — it’s a wonder he participated in some of the events. The toll that cancer can take not only on the person inflicted but also on loved ones is immeasurable. However, Mickelson and his family prevailed, and at least on Sunday, conquered all odds.
Mickelson’s win was perfect for the PGA. It was storybook material and a feel-good memory through and through.
Woods will soon win again, but the 2010 Masters will be remembered for Mickelson’s triumph and not the circus surrounding Woods’ return.
And that’s the way it should be.
