I have to admit up front I've never been much of a Phil Mickelson fan. I was today. This year's Masters was supposed to be all about Tiger. When the day started I was expecting one of Wood's charges to the top of the leader board. It didn't happen and it didn't matter.
Mickelson was brilliant today. Now I was a little preoccupied with other things this afternoon but I managed to keep one eye on the tv and the other where in needed to be. For those who don't know the background, Mickelson"s wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago. The same year his mother was diagosed with cancer. Their lives changed. His life changed. He left the tour. He didn't golf. He was where he had to be. With his wife and family.
Now, just for a moment think about what Tiger has been through during the past few months. What he admitted to and what he put his family through. Then think about what Mickelson has had to deal with and what's happened to his family. Mickelson isn't as sexy as Woods but who would you rather have as a roll model for your kids.
Mickelson has won 3 Masters. None will be more important than this one. Amy spent a good part of the afternoon crying. The camera caught a tear rolling down Mickelson's cheek. It's one of those rare, truly magical moments in sport. A moment that's bigger than sport. A moment that will be etched in my mind. As of today I have a soft spot for Mickelson. I believe deep in his heart he knows he did this for her. She knows it too.
I am not a Mickleson fan, never have been. But, with my wife going through the breast cancer treatments right now, I can certainly understand how emotional this win was for him and his family. Good on him.
It certainly was a very touching moment at the end when Mickleson was hugging Amy. I too have dealt with cancer when a person very close to me passed away from the disease back in 2008. Way to go Phil, it was really great to see him win!
Rick,
Have never been a Woods' fan, even before his scandal. Too many tantrums and lack of grace before it happened. Nothing has changed at all. It's too bad CBS carries his every shot. Can you imagine what a win would have done to this man's ego??? Thanks Phil, Lee, Fred et al, who at least act like gentlemen!
Army: I was really impressed with the way Phil held it together. If I had know my wife and mother...both with cancer...were waiting for me at the 18th green I think I would have crumbled.
I'm an armchair golf fan. Don't get to play much but enjoy watching. Don't really have a preference of one golfer over another but certainly after Tiger's escapades I don't have any respect for him at all. Barring we don't find out anything bad about Phil Mikleson I think he should be the next Sexiest Man Alive for People magazine. There is nothing more sexy than a man who puts everything else aside for his family. Golf is his career, it's how he makes his money, I'm sure he loves it but he knew what was more important and where he needed to be and when. I understand the other golfers don't like Phil much for whatever reason but I bet they all had more respect for him than they'll ever have for Tiger again.
Diane: Couldn't agree more.