Feb 20

Phil Mickelson turns grump man at WGC Match Play Championship

MARANA, Ariz. - You’d think that Phil Mickelson would be in a good mood after winning at Riviera and cementing his title as Mr. Pacific Time Zone. You’d think he’d be happy that there’s no Pro Am to think up a blow-off excuse for at the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship with its Wednesday start.

You’d be wrong.

A Mickelson you could hardly recognized showed up at The Gallery Golf Club just outside of Tucson today - a grumpy one.

First, Mickelson canceled a scheduled interview visit to the media center. He even refused to talk to reporters on the side and the last time anyone can remember that happening … well, few can remember it ever happening.

Then, Pacific Time Phil took his toys and went home.

Or almost. He went to the back range at The Gallery where his waiting fans couldn’t see him hit balls. Another out of character move for the guy who picked a dad and a son out of the gallery at the FBR Open and handed them Super Bowl tickets. Just because he could.

The new hermit Phil didn’t go over well in Arizona, usually Mickelson land through and through, either.

“I don’t know why he has to be out there all by himself,” one fan remarked. “If that’s how Phil wants to be, we don’t need him. Tiger came out here (to the front range where stands are) two different times today. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Maybe more damaging to Mickelson’s chances in the tournament, the No. 1 seed in the Gary Player bracket - didn’t play a single practice round at The Gallery. In contrast, Tiger Woods spent more than five hours on the course both Monday and Tuesday as he continued his unspoken undefeated season quest. Now, granted, Tiger didn’t play at all last week and certainly wasn’t coming off an emotional final round on Sunday like Mickelson.

Still, it will be interesting to see how this suddenly, momentarily reclusive Mickelson plays.

« Tiger Woods comes from 3 down with 5 to play in World Match Play Championship, Tucson breathes

Tiger Woods talks undefeated season possibility at World Match Play: And he's done it before »

5 comments

§ Ron Mon® said on : 2008-02-20 @ 06:51
Well, my guess would be that PTZ Phil needs to prepare differently when Tiger is in the field, more warrior-like. Jeff Quinney certainly makes me shiver when I see his hollow eyes, but not like Tiger's might. I imagine that if a writer of your stature were suddenly thrust into a competition with, say, Shakespeare, said writer might prepare a bit differently, too. Have a swell afternoon.
§ joan said on : 2008-02-20 @ 07:59
Give Phil a break I've seen him many times on tour and there isn't a player more friendly with the fans or the media. This is an important season for Phil if you did your homework you'd have know he was with Butch yesterday!!!!!!!!!!
§ Joko said on : 2008-02-20 @ 09:01
Actually, Rumor has it that Phil was extremely upset that the local In-and-Out Burger was closed due to the beef recall. Any decline in the subcutaneous fat levels in his body and he flies into a rage...
§ Belhaven said on : 2008-02-20 @ 17:25
All you need to back off and give Phil a break. And you need to get your facts straight Mr. Baldwin or you won't be worth reading anymore. The pro-am comment was off-base and immature. Grow up.

How is that practice routine working for Tiger against the 64th rank?
§ Chris Baldwin® said on : 2008-02-20 @ 19:42
What facts weren't straight? Yes, Butch Harmon was with him on the back range. See the picture on WorldGolf.com taken by yours truly. So? Tons of players worked with their coaches (including Harmon) on the front range where the fans could see them and still gave time to the media.

Because great Butch is there doing his Phil Jackson routine, Mickelson is supposed to be excused for blowing off fans and reporters?

Sorry, the article was more than fair, pointing out how Mickelson is usually great with fans. Some of you Phil defenders are just as loony as cat ladies.