To his credit, Phil Mickelson turned pro in 1992 and now has 39 PGA Tour victory’s, along with four Major Championships. The Major Championships include three green jackets as Master’s champion, and one PGA Championship. In addition, the 41 year old has seven European Tour victories and one Challenge Tour victory. To his legion of fans, though, the man who plays golf as a southpaw is just Lefty.
His credits also include impeccable conduct, either on or off the course. Regarding Mickelson, PGA Tour commissioner Tom Finchem said, “Two things in my mind that I think are special about Phil. He is clearly one of the most exciting players to ever play the game. Outside the ropes, regardless of his incredible competitive performance, it’s the way he’s handled himself with great comportment and his support of charities.”
His devotion to his wife and family, too, seem without flaw. In May 2009, Phil and his wife Amy learned she had breast cancer. Phil immediately, indefinitely, suspended his schedule on the PGA tour, so he could give emotional support to her and their children, as they adjusted to the life-altering news.
Without regard to, he suspended his tour activity when he was the No. 2 ranked player in the world, with a solid shot of reaching his goal of a No.1 ranking. Yet, he skipped the HP Byron Nelson Championship, and the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, both scheduled in the month of May. Then, in June 2009, after he announced Amy’s cancer was in the early stages and not life threatening; he resumed playing the tour.
Still, in July 2009, he learned his mother also had breast cancer, and once again suspended his tour activity. In August 2009, he returned to the PGA Tour.
On the other hand, as consistent as his behavior is, parts of his golf game are erratic. Even though his short game may be one of the best, his powerful long game can be off course, because he fights a career long tendency to either slice, or push left his tee shots.
His one-liner, “God, I’m such an idiot,” which he said after an errant shot on the final hole blew his opportunity to win the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot; may go into golfing lore.
Nevertheless, whether you consider him an idiot, or a brainchild, in a golf tournament, Phil Mickelson is the World Golf Hall of Fame newest member. In his first year of eligibility, Mickelson garnered 72 percent of the votes and his induction into the Hall of Fame, in Augustine, Florida, is May 7, 2012. In reference to his impending induction, he said, “I am excited to be part of the Hall of Fame that has the names of the greats of the game that I grew up idolizing. This is a special honor; it just feels cool to be part of this great organization and elite club.”
Congratulations, Lefty.
Phil Mickelson: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Mickelson
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