Shooting for that #1 Spot

After a 2nd place finish at Quail Hollow Phil Mickelson finds him in a position he's never been in before.  With a win at The Players Championship and Tiger Woods finishing outside the top 5 Lefty would take over the number one spot in the World Golf Rankings.

Phil is playing some of his best golf lately and Tiger struggling I will be very surprised if Mickelson isn't #1 before the end of the summer.   The golf media has always tried to create a rivalry between Tiger and Phil but I'm not sure how much of a rivalry it was because Tiger was always on top.  If Lefty can overtake Tiger this will ignite the rivalry and have us all choosing sides, Phil or Tiger?

There has been talk of Tiger Woods losing his edge of late.  Whether it be because of his personal life, his treatment or his golf swing Tiger did not look himself at Quail Hollow and for the first time I can remember he quit on his round Friday.   I have no doubt in my mind Tiger will work through this and we'll see the Tiger Woods we have come to know before the end of the season.

With the drama going on with the number one spot in the rankings, The Players Championship starting Thursday, not to mention the amazing performances by Rory McIlroy and Ryo Ishikawa over the weekend, the golf world has a lot to be excited about.

What do you think?  I love to hear from you, I can be reached on Twitter @PMickelsonfans or email: pmickelsonfans@gmail.com

A Great Time to be a Sports Fan

Now that I have calmed down from Phil Mickelson's Masters victory its dawned on me just how exciting it is to be a sports fan this time of year.  You may not realize that I do follow other things than just Phil Mickelson, I love baseball (yes, I am a fantasy geek too), basketball, football and even find myself watching a bit of playoff hockey.   With all that's going on right now it's hard not to be thankful that I'm a sports fan.  Every night channel surfing is needed to stay up to date on the NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs and baseball season (not to mention following my players in the fantasy pools)  Not to mention the weather has warmed up so we can get out for a few rounds of golf.

I'm curious if you all enjoy other sports or focus mainly on golf?  Do you play often or just enjoy watching it on TV?  Love to hear from you. When Phil isn't playing I try to think of other things to write about so any ideas would be great! As always you can follow me on @pmickelsonfans on Twitter or email pmickelsonfans@gmail.com

Phil Mickelson's Masters Win Means Free Drivers for 15,000

Phil Mickelson's feel good win at Augusta on Sunday seemed to make everyone happy, that is except for the executives at Golfsmith.

More than 15,000 people purchased a Callaway Big Bertha Diablo Edge, FT Tour or FT-iZ between March 18 and April 7 and Golfsmith said if Phil won the masters they would refund their money. Well, it's time to pay up. That works out to one million dollars in refunds for the clubs.

Golfsmith released this today:

"In addition to wowing the galleries at Augusta for his third Masters Championship, Sunday, Phil Mickelson gave golfers across the country and internationally a great present to start the season," said Golfsmith President and CEO Marty Hanaka. "Phil's win is great for the game and wonderful for Golfsmith and our valued retail and online customers."


"We couldn’t be happier that Phil claimed his third green jacket and that thousands of Golfsmith customers now will start off the season with a new Callaway driver, free of charge," said Brian Groves, VP of US Marketing, Callaway Golf. "Callaway drivers are the hottest clubs on the PGA Tour and have already won six tournaments in 2010, including the season’s first Major."

Congrats to all of you who took advantage of this, if you would like to know more about how to receive your refund you can go here

For everyone else looking for a good deal on clubs check out Callaway Pre Owned, they have great deals right now on certified pre owned Callaway Clubs

Phil Mickelson Wins the 2010 Masters

Coming into the 2010 Masters Phil Mickelson wasn't playing his best golf.  He hadn't won and really wasn't in contention at any point.  We questioned what was the problem and missed the obvious, his body was at the golf course but his mind was with his wife and mother during their battle with cancer.  With his wife Amy Mickelson being with him for the first time during a tournament since last years Player's Championship Phil was relaxed and it showed on the course this week.  His driver was working for the most part and his swing looked smooth and free.   His short game saved him on a few holes but what really made me happy was Phil kept his go for broke style and it paid off with a great shot off the pine straw on 13.  (Let's not talk about the eagle putt)  It's why so many of us cheer for Phil and he didn't disappoint. 

The scene at the 18th hole was one for the ages.  I cannot imagine what Phil thought to see his wife Amy waiting for him him.  She had been in bed watching on tv all week and he wasn't sure if she would show up today.   It was a real moment and there weren't too many dry eyes for Phil fans across the country.   One last thing I would like to say how much of a class act Lee Westwood was.  He spoke highly of Phil and made no excuses, his 1st major should be coming soon and the golfing world realized what a classy guy he is.

As you can telll I am not a professional writer, just a fan of golf and Phil Mickelson.  I wanted to get my initial thoughts written down.  I'd love to hear what you thought of the round.  

I had a great afternoon chatting and tweeting with all the Phil Mickelson fans on twitter (@pmickelsonfans) it was a lot of fun, thank you all for a great time. 

Also feel free to check my Amazon wishlist I don't get paid to do all the twitter updates or the blog spots, your help would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

Detailed Look Into Phil's 1st Round at Augusta

Could you ask for a better start to the 2010 Masters?  It was soothing to have the people talking about golf across the country.  Some great opening rounds were out there because holes were shortened and pins were accessible.  I have a feeling Augusta National will show its teeth a bit more in round 2. 

Let's take a look at Phil Mickelson's 5 under 67:   It was obvious that Phil had a feel for his putter today making a few lenghty putts that he hasn't been making up to now.  His driver wasn't great (hit only 6 of 14 fairways) but his misses were in the right spots and the "rough" at Augusta isn't long so Phil swings freely off the tee not worrying about the rough. 





Going forward Lefty's putter has to stay hot.  Now I'm not saying he has to make three 20 footers a round but he has to be making the 4 footers for par, that's where he's lost strokes in the past.  Its great that Amy and the kids were able to make to the trip, it has to give him a good mindset going into Friday. 

Phil Mickelson's tee time is 1:42 pm EST on Friday.  He's in the 2nd last group so expect to see his final 9 or 10 holes on network coverage. 

We should be in for a great weekend of golf, the leaderboard couldn't look any better.  Lefty has as good a shot to win this as anyone as long as he can stay consistent which has been his downfall this year.   I will be cheering him on and hope you will too.  Let's Go Phil!!

I will be tweeting about Phil's 2nd round @pmickelsonfans on twitter, hope to hear from you. 

Get Your Messages in to Phil for the Masters

Hi Phil Mickelson Fans,

We are putting together a huge card to send to Phil before the Masters.  To get your wishes in send a quick email to pmickelsonfans@gmail.com along with a comment and I'll get it to him.  Let everyone you can think of know about this, I want to get a lot of positive comments to Lefty to show him how strong the fanclub is. 

Get them in soon.  In the meantime enjoy watching the Arnold Palmer Invitiational this week

Talk soon,

Dave

Need Help Designing Phil Mickelson Fans Shirt

Good Morning Phil Fans!

Sorry for the lack of blogging as of late, I was dragged away on vacation by my girlfriend and didn't have much access to the internet.

While I was away I got permission from "Phil's people" to design a Phil Mickelson Fans shirt that we could wear at PGA Tour events.   Since I have no idea how to design a shirt or even what should be on it I wanted to ask for your help.   Please email me with any ideas, suggestions, slogans or anything else you think could contribute to the design.   For everyone who helps I will send you a free shirt.  For the person who comes up with the best idea I have an autographed picture from Phil Mickelson himself for you. 

My email is pmickeslonfans@gmail.com  pass this along to anyone who you think is creative, I can't wait to hear what you come up with. 

Thanks and let's hope Phil gives us something to cheer about in the near future

Waste Management Phoenix Open

Save 30% of Select Items at the Callaway Golf Pre-Owned Winter Sale!

I'm so thankful that Phil Mickelson is back in the field this week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  Even though he was only gone for a week, I'm really hoping for a good finish for Lefty.

Phil traditionally plays well in Scottsdale, he is an ASU alum who loves the big crowds and the raucous atmosphere. 

Remember This:



I promise no more Tiger but what a scene that was.... Let's get to the picks.

Phoenix Open has traditionally favored the bombers so it's tough not to like J.B. Holmes, he kills the ball, has won here before and is playing well going in, I'm expecting at least a T5 for Holmes.  

OK, I know that it seems like everyone is picking Holmes so I'll give you a few sleepers to make up for it.  How about Alvaro Quiros?  He is the longest player on the Tour and if his putter is hot could really make this an exciting tournament.   I'm also going to take a flyer on Bubba Watson, do you see a common thread here?  

So who are you rooting for?  Let me know, I love to hear you.

Let's Go Phil!!

A Quick Thought On Tiger's Speech

I just finished listening to Tiger Wood's speech like the rest of you.  I didn't think he was sincere which is my biggest problem.  During the speech I was wondering how many time he has practiced the speech and how many people worked with him on it.  His best bet would have been to speak from the heart without the notes.  I still get the feeling he doesn't care about what his fans and the public think about him and that hurts.  We are the ones who tune into golf tournaments, buy his products and cheer for him.   The only time I felt he was sincere was when he got angry at the media for following his family around, but it's his fault!  If he would have come out months earlier that wouldn't be the case.

I really wanted to be behind Tiger but after this speech I find myself thinking a little less of him.  I don't think he cares about the golf public and wants us all to forget about this but that will not happen until he is completely honest and speaks from the heart.

I'm going to try to forget about Tiger for awhile and get back to the actual golfers, especially Phil Mickelson.  I hope Phil comes out next week and wins the Phoenix Open so we can get back to talking about golf.

* After some more thought I get the feeling like Tiger doesn't need the public in his life.  I wonder if he would feel the same way if we didn't buy his clothes, videogames, and golf clubs?  I doubt it.  He still seems better than everyone else.  I wish he would have acted like a normal person but I don't think he knows how

What do you guys think of his speech?  I'd love to hear from you.

WGC Accenture Match Play Bracket

The bracket is out for the WGC Accenture Match Play.  Here it is

I will have my picks early Wednesday, who do you like? 

Phil looking good, Dustin Johnson looking great!

Did you get a chance to watch some golf this weekend at Pebble Beach?  I sat at home and watched in HD and dreamed I was there, what a gorgeous place.  You don't have to be a golf fan to get engrossed in the scenery especially if you're in a part of the country covered with snow (I am)

Dustin Johnson won his 2nd straight AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-am and is deserving to be on the short list of favorites for this year's US Open.  He has something special going on at Pebble and even if he misses every cut until the US Open I still think he's going to have plenty of confidence when he returns to the Monterey Peninsula. 

Phil Mickelson has to take some good from this week, he struck the ball much better and finished with a respectable 11 under par.  If a few more putts would have fallen he's right in the hunt.  Phil will now go on a vacation with his family and return for the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the end of February.   I feel good about how is game is shaping into form for Augusta.

One last thing, what were your thoughts on David Duval being in contention on Sunday afternoon?  Personally I was rooting for Duval even though I had picked Johnson to win the tournament.  I love to root for the comeback story and Duval is one of golf's best.  I hope he can continue this strong play.  Let's go David!

Love to hear from you guys, send me an email (pmickelsonfans@gmail.com) or twitter (@pmickelsonfans)

Update on Phil at the AT&T

Phil Mickelson fired a 2 under 68 on Thursday to begin the AT&T Pebble Beach National  Pro-AM.  He was playing on the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula CC, Phil loved the course calling it one of his favorites on tour.

Currently Mickelson is tied for 42nd but with the format of the AT&T; play 3 different courses Thursday thru Saturday then everyone finish at Pebble, where you are isn't so important until play is finished on Saturday. Lefty had 3 birdies and only 1 bogey on the round and felt good about his game.

Phil will start his 2nd round on the 10th tee of Spyglass Hills today where he shares the course record with a 62. Another sub par round will have him in good shape heading into the weekend.

I will keep everyone posted on his round Friday via Twitter (@pmickelsonfans)

I'd love to hear from you so drop me a line and let me know what you think about Phil's game so far this year.  

If you have a second click on some of the ads to the right of this blog, they help keep the site up and running. Thanks!

AT&T Pebble Beach Nation Pro-Am Picks

Ok, last weeks picks weren't the best but it's a new week so let's go......

I'm very surprised that there's only seven of the top thirty players in the world rankings playing at Pebble Beach.  I'm guessing most players figure the course to play completely different come the US Open but a little course knowledge could never hurt. 

I have a hard time not picking defending champion Dustin Johnson, he's playing well (T3 last week) and he looks better every time I see him play.  Look for Dustin to be in the mix Sunday.  I also like Tim Clark, he's steady, never rattled and has a calm about him.  All things necessary during some of the 5 hour rounds we see during the Pro-Am.   My final two picks might not be the most well like guys on tour but I have a hunch they are due, Pat Perez and Rory Sabbatini.  These two guys show their emotions on every shot and I got a feeling at least one will be in the hunt Sunday.   I usually love Vijay Singh at Pebble but his putting is just so horrible I can't recommend him.  Good luck this week!

Who do you like at the AT&T?  I'd love to hear from you, send me an email (pmickelsonfans@gmail.com) or visiit me on twiitter (@pmickelsonfans)

What's in Phil Mickelson's bag in 2010

I love hearing from all of the readers and lately I've been asked what is what clubs does Phil have in the bag to start the 2010 season?  Well, I went to Callaway to get the answer, here's what Tim Sweeney said is in Phil's bag last week at the Northern Trust Open.  

Callaway FT Tour Driver - 7.5 degree (loft changes depending on the weather conditions)
Callaway Big Bertha Diablo 3 Wood
Callaway Prototype Hybrid - 22 degrees
Callaway X Prototype Irons
Callaway X Forged Wedges (with conforming grooves!)
Odyssey White Hot XG blade putter
Callaway Tour ix ball

Callaway Golf Pre-Owned and Outlet


We all know how Phil likes to tinker with his clubs so these could change any week.  I'll keep you updated on any changes. 

Speaking of equipment have you tried any of the new clubs in 2010?  I'd love to hear your reviews and include them on the blog.

I'll be back Wednesday with my picks for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am

Riviera, Steve Stricker and The Superbowl

I spent almost all Sunday sitting in front of the TV watching golf and football, it's a great way to enjoy Superbowl Sunday.   While sunken into the couch I had a few thoughts on the golf and football:

• Glad to see Steve Stricker held on to win at the Northern Trust Open.  No one wants to blow a 6 stroke lead on Sunday and it seemed like Stricker was playing not to lose instead of to win.   A few more bounces for Luke Donald and things could have been different
• Stricker passed Phil Mickelson to move into the number 2 spot on the world rankings.  Phil had one of his Sunday rounds where it seems like he wants to get off the course, finishing T45.  Stricker and Mickelson are polar opposites on the golf course.  Stricker very consistent, fairways and greens and never in much trouble.  Lefty on the other hand gets himself into tight spots all the time with his aggressive play, sometimes working sometimes not.  I think that's why we love Mickelson, his go for broke approach to golf. 
• Speaking of go for broke approach I saw this in Sean Payton, the head coach for the New Orleans Saints in the Superbowl.  I wasn't cheering for a particular team, more hoping for a close game until Payton made two game changing plays.  The first was the 4th down call from the one and a half yard line and the second was the onside kick.  I gained so much respect for him because he played to win, not to lose.  I promise I would be applauding both of those plays even if the Saints lost the game.  I now link Sean Payton's coaching style to the way Phil Mickelson plays golf, always being aggressive and trying to win. 

What did you think of the golf on Sunday?  Keep me posted, I love hearing from you and I will always reply.  Twitter me (@pmickelsonfans) or email: pmickelsonfans@gmail.com

Don't be worried about Phil dropping to number 3 in the world rankings either, he's working on a few things and trying to have his game sharp for Augusta. 

2nd Round 66 Has Mickelson Fans Excited for the Weekend

With a 66 on Friday at the Northern Trust Open, Phil Mickelson has me looking forward to what the weekend may hold and I'm not talking about the Superbowl.  He's currently sitting T11 with a -4 for the tournament, six shots behind Steve Stricker and Dustin Johnson, but let's focus on Lefty.

When Phil's on his game, he's pin hunting.  Even then he'll mix in the occasional bogie, it's why we love him! That's what happened on Friday with seven birdies and just two bogies on a couple tough par 4's.   Six back he's right in the thick of things, look for a little pre Superbowl magic by Phil.  Callaway is the sponsor of the pregame show on CBS but here's hoping most golf fans will be tuning in to NBC watching the face of Callaway go for three in a row at Riviera. 

Let me know what you think either on twitter (@pmickelsonfans) or email pmickelsonfans@gmail.com

Let's Go Phil!!

Northern Trust Open

Even though the Northern Trust Open has yet to start I think the most positive outcome has already happened, the cheating talk has been smoothed over and we can get back to playing golf.  

On Tuesday in Los Angeles there was a players only meeting where Scott McCarron apologized to Phil Mickelson for calling him a cheater, Phil accepted the apology and has now removed the controversial Ping Eye2 wedge from his bag.  There is also a report that Mickelson and McCarron had an hour long meeting with PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem but neither side has confirmed.  The PGA has been in talks with Ping with regards to the lawsuit from years back, I get the feeling very soon the Ping Eye2 wedges will be non conforming clubs but let's get back to golf.

The Northern Trust Open is be best field this year.  Steve Stricker, Anthony Kim and Padraig Harrington will all be making their PGA debuts, throw in 2 time defending champion Phil Mickelson and you've got a top notch event.  They are calling for great weather this week in LA so let's get to the picks.

Just to be clear every week I am rooting for Lefty, that being said I will never mention him in my picks but he's always my #1 choice.  I have a good feeling about Ryan Moore, he's been playing solid golf this year and I'm expecting at least a T5 finish for him.  KJ Choi has also been playing well, my sleeper is Freddy Couples.  We all remember him and Phil coming right down to the wire here a couple years ago, I would love to see him in contention on Sunday afternoon. 

Those are my picks, who do you like?  Let me know on twitter @pmickelsonfans I'd love to hear from you

Phil Mickelson vs. Scott McCarron

I was hoping things between Lefty and Scott McCarron would blow over but McCarron won't let it go so I feel I have to discuss it.




Everything stems from Scott McCarron saying it is cheating using the Ping Eye2 wedges with square grooves made from 1985-1989 that are conforming clubs according to the USGA. Since Phil is using the Ping wedges it would be fair to say he called Lefty a cheater.



I just don't get where McCarron gets off calling players using conforming clubs cheaters, he is completely off base. If the USGA says the clubs are allowed, they can be used on the PGA tour, end of story. McCarron should spend more time working on his game (MC at the Farmer's Insurance Open) and less time worrying about what his fellow players are doing. Last I checked he is not the one who is the governing body for the PGA Tour. Come to think of it when was the last time we've heard McCarron's name mentioned for something he did on the golf course? I'm not sure either...



Phil Mickelson has been rumored to be taking legal action against McCarron for slandering but that has yet to be played out. We all wish this would pass but it doesn't seem like McCarron is letting it. These guys are playing for millions of dollars every week and who can blame them for taking every advantage they can WITHIN the rules?



As always you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/pmickelsonfans all comments welcome and I will get back to everyone. More actual golf talk later in the week with Phil headed to LA to defend his title at the Northern Trust Open.