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.