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Phil Mickelson's struggle at the Open
tothetop777
Legend
 
174 Views    14 Replies    1 Like   I like it!
Is Phil's career on a serious decline or is it a temporary phase?

His play at The Open Championship was very erratic and appeared impatient.

Is he done or going through a phase? Will he play in the Champions Tour when he hits 50?

I hope it is a phase and I hope he plays The Champions Tour.
cogolfer1
LowIndex
 
# 1    7/20/2012 10:08:32 PM   
I don't know what's wrong with him. Phil's hard enough to predict, but this is just crazy. Last 5 finishes have been CUT, T16, CUT, T65, quit. After Augusta he looked really good! Win at Pebble in the final round with TW, 2nd at Riviera, 4th at Houston, 3rd at The Masters... then this? I think you have to question how much priority golf has in his life right now having arthritis, a mom and wife fighting breast cancer, and already an extremely successful career. I still think he has 1 more major left in him (if it's anything but Augusta I'd be stunned) and can get to the magical landmark of 50 wins on Tour, but he'll really have to look things over and ask himself how bad he wants it.

As far as Champions Tour, Phil seems like someone who would be willing to play full time on that tour, as long as he's healthy. Would be cool to see him play out there.


Don Freeman
Professional Champion
 
# 2    7/20/2012 10:12:16 PM   
I heard he is adjusting his hand position with his putter. Maybe why he hasn't been scoring well lately.


LyinLewis
Legend
 
# 3    7/20/2012 10:22:53 PM   
Arthritis in his hands and wrists. Not sure if you can cure that...can't imagine losing feel.


Mark Simmons
Legend
 
# 4    7/21/2012 12:00:41 AM   
I do wonder if there is a relationship between his arthritis and putting woes. His erratic driver of late has been something that comes and goes, so I'm less concerned about that long-term. He can still bomb it and is a wizard around the green.


njgolfer
Legend
 
# 5    7/21/2012 5:22:33 AM   
With his medical condition and even with medication to control it, Father Time may be catching up to Phil. I hope not as I enjoy watching him play and want him to win more tournaments.


Racer888
Legend
 
# 6    7/21/2012 6:03:16 AM   
I think Phil's health is playing more of a part than we are being told. I believe his arthritis is going to end his career early.


Don Freeman
Professional Champion
 
# 7    7/21/2012 1:15:52 PM   
negative. His coach had him raise his hands up higher. They were very low. He wanted them in a straight line with the shaft of the putter.


Mongo68
Legend
 
# 8    7/21/2012 4:30:11 PM   
Phil doesn't usually play well at The Open. I just heard it said the other day that he's only had 3 top 10's in his career and several more missed cuts in The Open.


irakemillions09
Professional Champion
 
# 9    7/21/2012 6:14:11 PM   
he's fine. He shot a bogey free 66 last week at the Scottish


cogolfer1
LowIndex
 
# 10    7/21/2012 7:44:41 PM   

he's fine. He shot a bogey free 66 last week at the Scottish


Coming from someone who would love to back up Phil in any way necessary, I couldn't disagree with you more. Yes he shot 64 and 65 last week, but he bookended that with 74 and 72 (?) on a course that had a winning score of -19. When your only Top 25 finish in 5 starts comes amongst a T65, 2 cuts, and a quit, you're in trouble.


BUCKNUT
Legend
 
# 11    7/23/2012 12:53:51 PM   

he's fine. He shot a bogey free 66 last week at the Scottish




I like Phil, but I am going to say the exact thing I said when someone stated Tiger was back a year ago over a 66 or something along those lines. 1 round of 66 doesn't mean jack to me. Phil I believe is on the downswing. It's just not there for him anymore.


Duckhunter
Legend
 
# 12    7/23/2012 1:39:43 PM   
He is in big trouble


Mark Del Vecchio
Professional Champion
 
# 13    7/23/2012 2:29:59 PM   
I think, at 42, Phil is on the decline. He has health issues, his wife has health issues, and his daughters are reaching an age which requires a lot of attention from both parents. About the only thing most pro golfers do better in their forties than they did before is to play smarter. That's not Phil, yet (see Masters 4th hole). However, like most great golfers, he'll still put together some good weeks and win a tournament now and again. I also think, since the course suits him, and the tournament gets him amped, that he'll win one more Masters.
This seems to go against what I posted on the Rider Cup thread, but I still think he should be on the team this year, if for no other reason than to partner up with a rookie and calm some nerves. Every new Rider Cupper, from either side, says they were not prepared for how nervous they were. Phil has played in a lot of big tournaments, and can still be an intimidation factor to a young player on the other team.


irakemillions09
Professional Champion
 
# 14    7/23/2012 10:25:06 PM   

I think, at 42, Phil is on the decline. He has health issues, his wife has health issues, and his daughters are reaching an age which requires a lot of attention from both parents. About the only thing most pro golfers do better in their forties than they did before is to play smarter. That's not Phil, yet (see Masters 4th hole). However, like most great golfers, he'll still put together some good weeks and win a tournament now and again. I also think, since the course suits him, and the tournament gets him amped, that he'll win one more Masters.
This seems to go against what I posted on the Rider Cup thread, but I still think he should be on the team this year, if for no other reason than to partner up with a rookie and calm some nerves. Every new Rider Cupper, from either side, says they were not prepared for how nervous they were. Phil has played in a lot of big tournaments, and can still be an intimidation factor to a young player on the other team.


I would agree...Phil is past his prime..