OK, OK. I only watched the Masters this past week to see if Tiger Woods would do well; however, what I got was much more than the greatest golfer on the plant. I got the greatest love story probably ever in the game of golf. I must say, I have never been a big fan of Phil Mickelson, but after his performance this past weekend, I will be a fan of his from now on.
What Phil proved on the course this past weekend was more than just winning a tournament; it was being a great father and a great husband. Amongst all the turmoil he has been carrying with his wife’s and mother’s battles with cancer. Phil proved that what the week started out with is not as important as what really matters in life — family.
While Tiger tried to save his reputation, Phil could have saved the game of golf, for at least this season. Now, Tiger has and will reach goals far beyond golf, but I believe that Phil will reach a level of morality that Tiger will only be able to dream of from now on. This at the end of the day will count for more than trophies, winnings and endorsements. Not to mention, I don’t see why Phil should not pick up the sponsors Tiger lost in the last five months, to boot. Phil has proven that he can win on any stage, with this being his third green jacket, one behind Tiger. He has also proven that he is a man of standard; well, at least for now.
Nothing against Tiger, he is still my favorite golfer, but Tiger has to win back the trust of not only his wife, but those of us who believed he was more than just a good golfer. Yes, many men have fallen due to similar trials as Tiger has, but why do we seem to look over the guys that contain the family morals that count for something. If Phil never wins another Masters, or any tournament, for that matter, this one tournament stands amongst the greatest wins of all time.
The question is not if Tiger will win another Masters, but when. Tiger is by far the greatest golfer to ever play the game — nothing against Jack, Ben, Phil, Couples, Palmer and the other great golfers of the past. Yet, if Tiger can get back to his winning ways, I do believe what we have witnessed before from Tiger pales in comparison to what we will see.
After being in the top 5 this past weekend, Tiger said he would take some time off again. This only means that Tiger is right now at the driving ranger working towards the British Open later this year. I do believe that at the British Open, we will see the real Tiger and not the shell of the man we saw recently. However, the moment belongs to Phil, and I hope and pray that there are many more where this came from.
Written by Jimmie Fair
