Dear Phil:
Just read where you’re withdrawing from the annual ING Par-3 Shootout at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Mich. Probably a good idea. Why bring your family to an event you always enjoy and start moving forward with things? Instead, stay home and mope for a few weeks. Watch the Open’s final hole 200 times and review all the articles written about your meltdown (be sure to catch what Watson and Nicklaus had to say), and I’m sure you’ll feel much better by the next major.
There’s no doubt you’re making the right call, Phil. Don’t go to the Shootout, where you’ll be surrounded by longtime fans in a comfortable, low-key atmosphere. By playing at Treetops, you could show everyone that you’re not going to let one horrendous hole ruin you. But don’t do that. Wait a few weeks so your mind can really play games with you, and then return at a larger event where there’s a ton of press hanging on your every word.
Whatever you do, don’t listen to anyone who suggests playing at Treetops would be the best thing you could do. Now is the time for self-loathing. Savor this time. Sure, other athletes might choose to immediately start rehabilitating their careers. But why rush to regain your sense of perspective? You blew the U.S. Open, man. This is no time for an enjoyable, cathartic few days with the family at Treetops.
Thanks for listening. I’ll let you get back to your moping. All the best…Doug
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6 comments
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§ Mike said on : 2006-06-24 @ 09:50
Right on Doug. If you fall off the horse, get right back on and ride.He's acting like a baby.
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§ Kiel Christianson®
said on : 2006-06-24 @ 10:21
I agree. I can't imagine a better place to start having fun on the golf course again. Fans there would be very supportive. -
§ Simon said on : 2006-06-24 @ 17:53
The treetops event is usually a low key event with a laid back atmosphere. But can you imagine what it would be like this time around. The place would be packed with media hounding Phil and constantly asking him about the 18th at Winged Foot. I would like to see him out there as much as the next fan, I just guess he wants to stay away with his family for some more untill he is perfectly ready to face the mauling from the press.
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§ Ron Mon® said on : 2006-06-25 @ 11:03
You guys are dumb **** (whoops, need one more *) Remember when Phil had the crappy 2004, and everyone wrote him off? Turned out his wife and newborn had almost died. Let the man live his life. When was the last time Kiel or Doug choked with the hole world watching? Jeez, give me some more platitudes, please...get back on the horse...start moving forward...blah blah blah.
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§ Stacy said on : 2006-06-25 @ 11:33
Very funny blog. I agree wholeheartedly but Mickelson still needs time to recover from the Open. I love watching the Par-3 shootout with Phil and may not catch it now that he won't be there.
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§ Don said on : 2006-08-09 @ 10:13
Phil was acting like a baby. Am I to believe that the stress of playing at a Par 3 shoot out is to much for him. His instructor runs Tree Tops, maybe they could get some extra work in. What is worried about, he's a golfer!!! The people in Gaylord would only cheer for him. Hey Phil, conflict doesn't build character it defines it.
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