It was amusing seeing all the golf publications that touted Phil Mickelson as the favorite going into the weekend at the Masters. Phil’s right there, he’s ready to pounce, this is his chance with Tiger on the outs … yada, yada, yada.

It’s like 95 percent of the golf media have never actually seen Mickelson play.

This is what he does: He shoots a 75 on a perfect day for scoring at the Masters, shows the real difference between himself and Tiger Woods. Tiger always grinds, always gives himself a chance no matter how off his swing is or what goes wrong. Phil needs everything to be perfect. If his swing’s on, the breaks are shining on him and he doesn’t suffer brain lock he’s more than talented enough to rack up major hardware (three trophies so far).

But if Mickelson comes across one bit of adversity - like that approach that hit the pin and bounced crazy on No. 8 today - he turns into Chris Webber in the national championship game.

It’s embarrassing that a 37-year-old major champion is such a mental wimp. People moan about Tiger never having had a real rival. Well, don’t blame Tiger. It’s on Phil for only tapping into about 30 percent of his potential. Mickelson should have double the number of majors he has easy and we’re not just talking about the U.S. Open he absolutely brain farted on at 18.

Phil shoots himself out of the Masters with a third round 75 … man crosses the road. Being surprised at that is like being shocked that Britany Spears went out without underwear.

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