Feb 04

Difference between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson: Guts

The difference between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson was never more apparent than Sunday, even though they were playing continents apart.

Mickelson played great in the final round of the FBR, firing a 67. J.B. Holmes, however birdied No. 18 to force a sudden death playoff, and kee-rushed a drive on the same hole in the playoff.

Mickelson was also in good position, but choked on his approach shot, allowing Holmes to make a short birdie putt to win. There are those who say Holmes just played better. He obviously did.

But, when crunch time came, it was the would-be challenger to Woods who wasn’t up to it.

Woods, on the other hand, recovered from a frustrating third round to fire a 65, giving him the win at the Dubai Classic.

Woods’ isn’t known as a classic charger, but he is known for pulling off the shot when he needs it. That’s just one of the gaps between Woods and Mickelson, but it’s a big one.

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9 comments

Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member]

Same thing happened to Mickelson in a playoff at the Scottish Open last summer. Hit a horrible tee shot and lost to some guy, I don't even remember his name.

02/04/08 @ 15:31

Comment from: golfan [Visitor]

It's quite clear this writer does not comprehend the physical talent differences between Tiger and Phil. Tiger wants the ultimate ball and flight control impact. Phil does not want to know those things therefore he cannot tune his action to get the ultimate ball control. I'll take Tiger every time over Phil, especially on the tough courses. BTW, Phil's putting goes through big ups and downs. Tiger doesn't putt poorly two days in a row. Huge gap between these two, all physical. When a player doesn't have the shots, he also cannot display any guts. Pay attention!

02/04/08 @ 22:49

Comment from: Tim McDonald [Member]

You're unable to discern the subtler aspects of the game at that level, seeing only the obvious.

Phil Mickelson doesn't have the shots??!!

What game have you been watching?

02/05/08 @ 06:44

Comment from: Joe Kutz [Visitor]

Two different tournaments two different outcomes from challengers. Both Woods and Mickelson shot good scores but did finish before the leaders. Difference Els who started with lead of 4 failed at least didn't birdie the par 5 18th (hit 2nd in water)to force playoff but Holmes who started with lead of 4 did birdie the par 4 18th to force his playoff. If Holmes had hit his in water one must admit that Phil had the GUTS to win? Of course I believe Tiger would probably have won the playoff over Els but give some credit to Holmes. Did Woods win or did Els give him the win? Don't think GUTS had as much to do with it but FEAR of Tiger did.

02/06/08 @ 00:57

Comment from: joan [Visitor]

You are obvious another suck-up to Tiger press person. Phil has as many shots as Tiger and GUTS. Phil's start this year is very good. The mans been sick. Give him a break, He wouldn't have 32 PGA wins and 21 seconds with no guts. You are an ill prepared writer.

02/06/08 @ 08:13

Comment from: joan [Visitor]

02/06/08 @ 08:14

Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]

Tim,
I hope your job is on the volunteer basis...you really don't receive a paycheck, do you?

02/06/08 @ 08:33

Comment from: Tim McDonald [Member]

A guy who calls himself "Joe Cool" is giving ME a hard time?

02/06/08 @ 14:58

Comment from: BV [Visitor]

Dang Timmy, reading the comments on your posts is almost more fun than reading the post! ;) Well, actually, as far as this one's concerned...it WAS more fun! No love for Phil here, but he HAS won a boatload of PGA events - so he MUST have some measure of intestinal fortitude! ;)

02/14/08 @ 14:40

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