[Les]

Since I seem to be the only Phil fan this morning... Congrats Phil on win #33 and overtaking the 13th place in all time wins list.

Haven't seen many people weigh in on Quinney's lack luster performance and utter putting collapse (even after a brilliant display 99.9% of the entire tourney).

[buztech]

I gotta give it to Phil... His wifey is HAWWTTT !

[Big_M]

I thought Phil's win was great! I hope he bags another major this year.

golfer98... most hated, doubtful. I think many people like Phil... and yes he IS careful about what he says in public and sometimes it seems rehersed, but that is because he is intelligent and doesn't want to say stupid stuff like say... Rory, Ian, or otherwise. Genuine or not... giving people Superbowl tickets and sending Tiger's daughter a ping pong set are nice gestures.

Phil is a class act and I hope he has a great year, and challenges TW a few times.

[CGB]

Because I don't buy his "oh gosh golly darn shoot" tv personality.

I was going to go in to other things, but it's been discussed over and over and over and OVER.

[CGB]

Big_M, on Feb 18 2008, 10:42 AM, said:

giving people Superbowl tickets

But not without alerting the tv crews before hand.

God forbid that go unreported.

[sandy]

Phil needs to start cursing at the top of his lungs (ala Freddie and Tiger) and stop giving little kids golf balls during the round. That should help with his popularity.....

Seriously doubt most hated title, now Rory maybe.

[skinny99]

I am glad I am not the only one who thinks there is more to Phil's story than meets the eye. But he does have a ton of talent and we all have to respect that. Todd

[mat562]

Is it obligatory for PGA Tour wives to wear ludicrous sunglasses?

Caroline Harrington is still the Tiger Woods of the 'pretentious shades' world as the undisputed number 1, but, parallelling her husband's golf ranking, Amy Mickelson is firmly settled into the #2 spot after Sunday's spirited performance...

A black wig and a silver lame glove and she'd have passed for an early 90's Michael Jackson...

[kurob]

The amount of irrational Phil-hatred on this board never ceases to amaze me. He gives away Super Bowl tickets (which is picked up by a camera across the fairway), and he "alerted the media first". He prioritizes his family first and "he doesn't have enough killer instinct to win".

He's careful with what he says in the media...but so is Tiger (who never gets criticized for it).

[skinkman]

Phil fans ought to be excited..he's put in the effort to get better..can't fault a man for that and his swing looks better too..would have been more interesting to see how he played over the last 5 holes if it was against a top 10 player not giving him the tournament. He was always going to beat Quinney, who choked miserably after one bad putt...
At the same time, it is tough to get too excited for some..Tiger has set the standard too high..Every year he has something new to show..and he's always teeing up against the toughest field.
He's won his last 7 tournament starts...I am sure it will end at the Matchplay..but his presence just dwarfs the top players who a lot is expected out but deliver minimally.

[skinkman]

Quote

The amount of irrational Phil-hatred on this board never ceases to amaze me. He gives away Super Bowl tickets (which is picked up by a camera across the fairway), and he "alerted the media first". He prioritizes his family first and "he doesn't have enough killer instinct to win".

He's careful with what he says in the media...but so is Tiger (who never gets criticized for it).

I think there is some truth when tour players who know him better than us, insinuate that he is a fraud and a fake at that.
Couples, VJ, Appleby have all alluded to that part of Mickelson.
So when Bones is suddenly giving a ticket out in full view of the camera..I mean there are many ways to do this without the camera being around...people get suspicious based on his reputation.
I suppose he's fighting to be the Arnold Palmer (the loved one) to Tiger's (Nicklaus, the Champ)...but unlike Arnold who did this his whole life, Phil's rather recent..saw an opportunity and changed his persona to fit..I live in DC and there are many politicians like that..it doesn't make them bad politicians..nor should it make Mickelson a bad person, they are in the entertainment business and sponsorship business at that..you need to be liked to make millions of endorsement dollars...or just let your extraordinary achievement speak for itself..
Without Tiger, he would be ruling the golf world..but so far he's doing better than he probably ought to in the endorsement arena..

[razorback]

skinkman, on Feb 18 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

Quote

The amount of irrational Phil-hatred on this board never ceases to amaze me. He gives away Super Bowl tickets (which is picked up by a camera across the fairway), and he "alerted the media first". He prioritizes his family first and "he doesn't have enough killer instinct to win".

He's careful with what he says in the media...but so is Tiger (who never gets criticized for it).

I think there is some truth when tour players who know him better than us, insinuate that he is a fraud and a fake at that.
Couples, VJ, Appleby have all alluded to that part of Mickelson.
So when Bones is suddenly giving a ticket out in full view of the camera..I mean there are many ways to do this without the camera being around...people get suspicious based on his reputation.
I suppose he's fighting to be the Arnold Palmer (the loved one) to Tiger's (Nicklaus, the Champ)...but unlike Arnold who did this his whole life, Phil's rather recent..saw an opportunity and changed his persona to fit..I live in DC and there are many politicians like that..it doesn't make them bad politicians..nor should it make Mickelson a bad person, they are in the entertainment business and sponsorship business at that..you need to be liked to make millions of endorsement dollars...or just let your extraordinary achievement speak for itself..
Without Tiger, he would be ruling the golf world..but so far he's doing better than he probably ought to in the endorsement arena..

nicely put

[Johnny]

keep this thread clean guys........ it's on the radar screen now

[vaca22]

mat562, on Feb 18 2008, 11:22 AM, said:

Is it obligatory for PGA Tour wives to wear ludicrous sunglasses?

Caroline Harrington is still the Tiger Woods of the 'pretentious shades' world as the undisputed number 1, but, parallelling her husband's golf ranking, Amy Mickelson is firmly settled into the #2 spot after Sunday's spirited performance...

A black wig and a silver lame glove and she'd have passed for an early 90's Michael Jackson...

I was working as a hole marshall last year at our local tournament (Travelers Championship) when a couple stood right behind me, by themselves. I realized after seeing Padraig walking up to his ball that it was Caroline and I believe one of Padraig's brother. I said hi and we made lots of small talk, they were wonderfully friendly and curteous, but I remember those glasses...they were HUUUUUUUGE. LOL Almost looked as if she was wearing motorcycle goggles or something.

[dlygrisse]

razorback, on Feb 18 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

golfer98, on Feb 18 2008, 11:32 AM, said:

maybe it's because of the ESPN magazine article a few years back that said Fat Phil's "sincere act" is just that-a total act-and it also said that he's one of the most hated guys on tour.

very true...Phil is indeed one of the most hated players on tour, along with rory sab. as posted earlier. He is disliked by many players for his arrogance. I will give him his dues though not just for his outstanding play, but for his acting job he does day in day out lol. His nickname with many players is FIGJAM, (F*&% i'm good just ask me). But away from that he is a phenomanal player and i hope he can once again challenge tiger.....( i doubt it though)

Isn't it great that the "most hated" person in golf is Phil Mickelson? Think about it, wouldn't all other sports love to have a problem like that? Would you rather have Barry Bonds?, Roger Clemens?, Allen Iverson?, Terrell Owens?, Ray lewis, Rasheed Wallace?, or all of the other people in the NBA, NFL and MLB who have bought sold and used drugs, gone to jail, been involved in fights, cheated on their wives, knocked up their prostitutes, been caught with weapons, killed people, stabbed people, spent some time in jail, and generally acted like thugs.

yeah Phil is a disgrace to the game. You guys have your priorities way out of wack, give me a break, I suppose you all are big John Day fans, now there is a real beer drinking, cigarette smoking, wife beating, gambling addict, role model of a father and husband. Who is a quitter on the course and self destructive in his personal life.

[SwingMan]

Phil is super talented and seems to be a fine human being with an attractive wife and kids. He seems to be a kind and loving family man. He will win 50 tourneys and several more majors in his illustrious career.

Still, not everyone likes him -- which puts him in the same league as all of us.

(hopefully, the censors will like this post better than my previous nicknamed version)

Hey! Phil even looks fit this year -- maybe it's the slimming hat instead of the visor that does it for him.

Disclosure: I don't know Phil, haven't heard first-hand stories about him and my only basis for the above comments is his playing record, following him for a few rounds over 10 years ago before he began winning and only a handful of people followed him, and what I've read about him in the media.

[Les]

whether he is a 'fake/fraud' or not... doesn't mean he didn't win. I am a huge Phil fan because he is a lefty and is one of the best of all time. i like him even moreso because of the controversay I read all the time from 'people in the know'. I really get a kick out of how people can't give him credit for anything because VJ, Couples, etc say he is a fake. Even when he wins, people say he wouldn't have if this guy or that was playing with him the final day. These guys are all good enough to win at any given time, so taking any credit away from a guy who beat so many other pros that week is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, Phil is still #2... I like the guy, but I am not stupid!!!

[golfer98]

Tenementrock, on Feb 18 2008, 12:16 PM, said:

Les, on Feb 18 2008, 11:53 AM, said:

whether he is a 'fake/fraud' or not... doesn't mean he didn't win. I am a huge Phil fan because he is a lefty and is one of the best of all time. i like him even moreso because of the controversay I read all the time from 'people in the know'. I really get a kick out of how people can't give him credit for anything because VJ, Couples, etc say he is a fake. Even when he wins, people say he wouldn't have if this guy or that was playing with him the final day. These guys are all good enough to win at any given time, so taking any credit away from a guy who beat so many other pros that week is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, Phil is still #2... I like the guy, but I am not stupid!!!

Why no love for Phil after yesterday's win? It's obvious, he's not really a fan favorite among WRX'ers. No big deal, no need to call out the entire messageboard for not offering up kudos. And nobody is trying to discredit the man as a player, you're the one who asked the question, "Why no love for Phil?" and people are responding that they don't care for his persona, so who cares, you like Phil, let it go. Your original post is what got people going on a negative slant. Next time you might instead offer up a thread celebrating a Phil victory and all it's positives, i.e. first win at Riviera, strong bounce back from a MC last week, etc.

AMEN, AMEN !!!

[bgolfing]

The big hug and kiss w/ wife at the end was ridiculous. It was like he had never won before or he had just won the Open

[Les]

Tenementrock, on Feb 18 2008, 01:16 PM, said:

Les, on Feb 18 2008, 11:53 AM, said:

whether he is a 'fake/fraud' or not... doesn't mean he didn't win. I am a huge Phil fan because he is a lefty and is one of the best of all time. i like him even moreso because of the controversay I read all the time from 'people in the know'. I really get a kick out of how people can't give him credit for anything because VJ, Couples, etc say he is a fake. Even when he wins, people say he wouldn't have if this guy or that was playing with him the final day. These guys are all good enough to win at any given time, so taking any credit away from a guy who beat so many other pros that week is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, Phil is still #2... I like the guy, but I am not stupid!!!

Why no love for Phil after yesterday's win? It's obvious, he's not really a fan favorite among WRX'ers. No big deal, no need to call out the entire messageboard for not offering up kudos. And nobody is trying to discredit the man as a player, you're the one who asked the question, "Why no love for Phil?" and people are responding that they don't care for his persona, so who cares, you like Phil, let it go. Your original post is what got people going on a negative slant. Next time you might instead offer up a thread celebrating a Phil victory and all it's positives, i.e. first win at Riviera, strong bounce back from a MC last week, etc.

my work here is done!

[GatorEsq]

Is there really anyone who has it better than Phil He has been one of the best golfers on the planet for over a decade, wins tournaments/majors, has more money than he can ever spend, appears happily married and loves and spends time with his kids.

By all accounts, unlike Tiger, Phil is very generous with his money. People are tipped well, tickets are given away, and dinner tabs are picked up. Who cares if publicity follows efforts such as these.
What have most of us ever given away.

Who else gets criticized for making a father/sons week, or skipping a tournament(JOB) to take his kids to school, or to see him play a soccer game? These are all liberties we take as none golfers, but expect Phil not to. WHy? Because he is playing in a golf tournament, his job, for which the prize money is irrelevant to him. Phil has realized that the mindless pursuit of winning golf tournaments at this stage of his life/career is unnecessary.

I am quite sure he is very satisfied with the current state of his life.

[nandoal]

skinkman, on Feb 18 2008, 11:39 AM, said:

Quote

The amount of irrational Phil-hatred on this board never ceases to amaze me. He gives away Super Bowl tickets (which is picked up by a camera across the fairway), and he "alerted the media first". He prioritizes his family first and "he doesn't have enough killer instinct to win".

He's careful with what he says in the media...but so is Tiger (who never gets criticized for it).

I think there is some truth when tour players who know him better than us, insinuate that he is a fraud and a fake at that.
Couples, VJ, Appleby have all alluded to that part of Mickelson.
So when Bones is suddenly giving a ticket out in full view of the camera..I mean there are many ways to do this without the camera being around...people get suspicious based on his reputation.
I suppose he's fighting to be the Arnold Palmer (the loved one) to Tiger's (Nicklaus, the Champ)...but unlike Arnold who did this his whole life, Phil's rather recent..saw an opportunity and changed his persona to fit..I live in DC and there are many politicians like that..it doesn't make them bad politicians..nor should it make Mickelson a bad person, they are in the entertainment business and sponsorship business at that..you need to be liked to make millions of endorsement dollars...or just let your extraordinary achievement speak for itself..
Without Tiger, he would be ruling the golf world..but so far he's doing better than he probably ought to in the endorsement arena..

Don't believe everything you read. The media WANTS this to make Phil out to be the "bad" or "fake" guy. It's a shame that somebody can't be the good guy or do the right thing w/o be scrutinized.

[nandoal]

dlygrisse, on Feb 18 2008, 11:51 AM, said:

razorback, on Feb 18 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

golfer98, on Feb 18 2008, 11:32 AM, said:

maybe it's because of the ESPN magazine article a few years back that said Fat Phil's "sincere act" is just that-a total act-and it also said that he's one of the most hated guys on tour.

very true...Phil is indeed one of the most hated players on tour, along with rory sab. as posted earlier. He is disliked by many players for his arrogance. I will give him his dues though not just for his outstanding play, but for his acting job he does day in day out lol. His nickname with many players is FIGJAM, (F*&% i'm good just ask me). But away from that he is a phenomanal player and i hope he can once again challenge tiger.....( i doubt it though)

]Isn't it great that the "most hated" person in golf is Phil Mickelson? Think about it, wouldn't all other sports love to have a problem like that? Would you rather have Barry Bonds?, Roger Clemens?, Allen Iverson?, Terrell Owens?, Ray lewis, Rasheed Wallace?, or all of the other people in the NBA, NFL and MLB who have bought sold and used drugs, gone to jail, been involved in fights, cheated on their wives, knocked up their prostitutes, been caught with weapons, killed people, stabbed people, spent some time in jail, and generally acted like thugs.

yeah Phil is a disgrace to the game. You guys have your priorities way out of wack, give me a break, I suppose you all are big John Day fans, now there is a real beer drinking, cigarette smoking, wife beating, gambling addict, role model of a father and husband. Who is a quitter on the course and self destructive in his personal life.

Post of the day!

This post has been edited by pitbull808: 18 February 2008 - 01:28 PM
Reason for edit: bold was enough..no need to resize it

[skinkman]

Quote

The big hug and kiss w/ wife at the end was ridiculous. It was like he had never won before or he had just won the Open

that's the problem..a lot seems a little out of place with him..but remember the wife used to be a Cheerleader..I am sure she likes the razzmatazzing limelight quite a bit too and the "I love you so much" to the kids in the past..I suppose you could blame the media for being opportunists..hanging microphones close to him when he is with his family or turning the camera on when he's giving tickets away
maybe that is just the way he is...for others..it all seems manufactured...he has it good though..great life

[Purealive]

dlygrisse, on Feb 18 2008, 04:51 PM, said:

Isn't it great that the "most hated" person in golf is Phil Mickelson? Think about it, wouldn't all other sports love to have a problem like that? Would you rather have Barry Bonds?, Roger Clemens?, Allen Iverson?, Terrell Owens?, Ray lewis, Rasheed Wallace?, or all of the other people in the NBA, NFL and MLB who have bought sold and used drugs, gone to jail, been involved in fights, cheated on their wives, knocked up their prostitutes, been caught with weapons, killed people, stabbed people, spent some time in jail, and generally acted like thugs.

yeah Phil is a disgrace to the game. You guys have your priorities way out of wack, give me a break, I suppose you all are big John Day fans, now there is a real beer drinking, cigarette smoking, wife beating, gambling addict, role model of a father and husband. Who is a quitter on the course and self destructive in his personal life.

Ha ha - Good comedy, glad to see stereotypes are alive and well on this board.

And you really should not make sweeping generalisations about everyone who does not like a certain person, or tell lies/slander people.

[TM golf guy 182]

I like Phil, and I don't care what anyone else thinks. Not everyone is going to like everyone.

[avrag]

i do not know Phil Mickelson personally (probably like most people on this board), so i won't comment on his character.
but what i do know is that i like to watch him play golf on tv. it's not just that he is a great golfer, the second best in the world right now, but i also like watching the way he plays, because i think amateurs really can relate to it. at least i can.
when Mickelson leads in a tournament on the last day, it is not OVER, like it is with Tiger Woods. Phil Mickelson is always able to make it interesting again, because his course management is questionable sometimes, because he takes unnecessary risks, because his swing is not 100% mechanically sound and certainly not bullet proof. he is an amazing golfer, but sometimes he does (stupid) things on the golf course, like all of us amateurs often do. and that sort of makes me like him.
just to clear things up: that doesn't mean that i don't like Tiger Woods. i don't know him either, but i certainly cannot relate to the way he plays golf. so that's the difference right there.

[sandy]

I laugh when Freddie and VJ are used as sources of comment on one's character. Fred who took cursing to a new high/low especially when children were present. Fortunately Fred isn't on the leaderboard much anymore so we don't get to listen to his pearls of wisdom. Fred has been married how many times now? 2 or 3 with a repeat in there and at least one other engagement. Much better family man than phony Phil eh? Also can't remember when during Phil's career that he signed an incorrect scorecard to make a cut when he was a little short of money... Must have missed that one. So a couple of real stones and glass houses commentors it would appear.

[Lefty20]

I like Phil, because I love golf and Phil is good for the game of golf. I don't know him or Tiger personally, so to make judgements about them would be unfair. I am sure that both of them are very calculating when it comes to the media and etc... They have to be. Tiger's the best golfer today, and will most likely go down as the best golf of all time. Tiger is fun to watch because he can seem to make the impossible shot just when he needs to at he right time, and he can blow a field out in a matter of a back nine run. Phil is fun to watch, because you never no which Phil will show up. He is without question the # 2 player in the world, and without the Tiger era would be the # 1 golfer in the world and making a run at Jack Nickaluas' records himself. But for those who love the great game of golf, let's just enjoy the show. Without Tiger or Phil, golf is just not as fun to watch. And when Tiger and Phil are playing head to head at the top of both their games as at Doral a few years ago, and at the Boston this past fall, it is exciting and breath taking. And that is great for golf. This is setting up to be a great year for the fans of golf, regardless of whose corner you sit.

[Pepperturbo]

Since all we as viewers have to determine our likes and dislikes of tour players is their media presents; I just don't feel as though PM's media persona tells the real story. He sounds to rehearsed and superficial.

[victor2000]

nandoal, on Feb 18 2008, 12:17 PM, said:

dlygrisse, on Feb 18 2008, 11:51 AM, said:

razorback, on Feb 18 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

golfer98, on Feb 18 2008, 11:32 AM, said:

maybe it's because of the ESPN magazine article a few years back that said Fat Phil's "sincere act" is just that-a total act-and it also said that he's one of the most hated guys on tour.

very true...Phil is indeed one of the most hated players on tour, along with rory sab. as posted earlier. He is disliked by many players for his arrogance. I will give him his dues though not just for his outstanding play, but for his acting job he does day in day out lol. His nickname with many players is FIGJAM, (F*&% i'm good just ask me). But away from that he is a phenomanal player and i hope he can once again challenge tiger.....( i doubt it though)

]Isn't it great that the "most hated" person in golf is Phil Mickelson? Think about it, wouldn't all other sports love to have a problem like that? Would you rather have Barry Bonds?, Roger Clemens?, Allen Iverson?, Terrell Owens?, Ray lewis, Rasheed Wallace?, or all of the other people in the NBA, NFL and MLB who have bought sold and used drugs, gone to jail, been involved in fights, cheated on their wives, knocked up their prostitutes, been caught with weapons, killed people, stabbed people, spent some time in jail, and generally acted like thugs.

yeah Phil is a disgrace to the game. You guys have your priorities way out of wack, give me a break, I suppose you all are big John Day fans, now there is a real beer drinking, cigarette smoking, wife beating, gambling addict, role model of a father and husband. Who is a quitter on the course and self destructive in his personal life.

Post of the day!

I agree 100%. Maybe Phil is not "faking". Maybe that is actually the way that he is? Who knows. I don't. It all seemed a bit odd at first but it has been consistent since the day he turned pro back at Pebble Beach in 1992. Everybody has to deal with thiings their own way.

Just my two cents.

[victor2000]

shawnee, on Feb 18 2008, 03:46 PM, said:

mjtoal, on Feb 18 2008, 12:37 PM, said:

Phil doesn't need our love - he loves himself quite enough.

precisely...


Kindest regards, Shawnee

Don't mistake fake with confidence. The guy is good.......probably one of the best ever. I think the physical gifts are equal to Tiger but not mentally.......especially the "goal oriented" piece of it.

[theothertwo]

[quote name='bgolfing' date='Feb 18 2008, 09:31 AM' post='922422']
The big hug and kiss w/ wife at the end was ridiculous. It was like he had never won before or he had just won the Open
[/quote

What's wrong with that? Winning the LA Open is a big thing especially for a southern Californian, or winning any PGA Tour event for that matter. I imagine it's a lot of hard work, pressure and competition from a very tough field. Not to mention the million dollar purse, I would be kissing my wife too. He's a family man it seems and has a very good relationship with his wife. So if it's not a major, maybe just a hug and no kiss? Come on, give the guy a break. He was the best golfer in this tournament and deserved a win, a kiss and a big hug IMO.

[skinkman]

Quote

I think the physical gifts are equal to Tiger

nope

[blade_man]

GatorEsq, on Feb 18 2008, 12:38 PM, said:

Is there really anyone who has it better than Phil He has been one of the best golfers on the planet for over a decade, wins tournaments/majors, has more money than he can ever spend, appears happily married and loves and spends time with his kids.

By all accounts, unlike Tiger, Phil is very generous with his money. People are tipped well, tickets are given away, and dinner tabs are picked up. Who cares if publicity follows efforts such as these.
What have most of us ever given away.

Who else gets criticized for making a father/sons week, or skipping a tournament(JOB) to take his kids to school, or to see him play a soccer game? These are all liberties we take as none golfers, but expect Phil not to. WHy? Because he is playing in a golf tournament, his job, for which the prize money is irrelevant to him. Phil has realized that the mindless pursuit of winning golf tournaments at this stage of his life/career is unnecessary.

I am quite sure he is very satisfied with the current state of his life.

And could care less about what the members of WRX think of him, won't affect his paycheck or yours, I like the guy, and you say "who cares who you like" and thats all right by me! IMHO (of course)

[jimbonecrusher]

bgolfing, on Feb 18 2008, 12:31 PM, said:

The big hug and kiss w/ wife at the end was ridiculous. It was like he had never won before or he had just won the Open

Since when was a happy marriage and a display of public affection so wrong?

I guess people just hate it when somebody might be genuine and thoughtful. I think it is funny that people will take the work of two pros who have clearly been labeled as unfriendly to the fans.

So be it, people will think what they want. Just look at the way people skew their viewpoints about the Presidential candidates.

[jmac35]

I'm always glad when Phil wins a tournament. I hear all the stories about Phil being fake, blah, blah, blah, but I think almost everyone has a public persona that differs from their private one. You can be a nice guy without having to like everyone you work with.

So maybe Phil isn't always the angel we see on TV, but I think 95% of PGA players could learn something from his on-course demeanour. He walks through crowds with his head up, makes eye contact with everyone he talks to and gives golf fans everything they went to the course to see.

He may not be popular among WRXers but he is one of the most beloved players of his generation in U.S. and abroad.