Why I like Phil :)

[Bwadd]

Just so sick and tired of reading all the BS about Mickelson and the stuff he does, how he addresses the media, giving away tickets to the super bowl, giving away his game balls to kids as he walks to the next hole etc...

I was watching the Match play event and I saw him give a young girl his ball as he walked to the next hole it was AWESOME.... she had the biggest smile and he really made her day if not week, maybe more! I just know that if he gave me (male age 29) I would be like a kid in a candy store and probably talk about it for the rest of my life!!

I just think that he is very very good for the game.... I love watching him play, he's by far one of the most talented player's in the game today, and when he is in contention or even on the second page I know that I am glued to the TV!

I'm just sick and tired of all the Tiger Tiger Tiger.... I will be honest I could not even care. I know what he has done for the game and I respect that he is the best that will probably ever play, however I do not like him, nore do I like watching him play! I would rather watch Vjay, Phil, Camillo, KJ, etc any day of the week. And when Tiger is leading by a million shots on a Sunday.... BORING.... no golf to watch that day!

I'm sure I will get an ear full now from fellow TGN'rs regarding Phil or all the pro Tiger comments but I just wanted to praise someone other than Tiger for once!

Enjoy!

[Big Shooter]

Tiger needs more Cowbell! :D

[goshawk]

You won't be getting any "bashing" from me. I'm glad you're a Phil fan. Hell, if everyone on the forum was a Tiger fan, it would be a pretty boring forum!
Phil is a TV personality. He seems to have the personality that the networks love......outgoing, interacts with the folks outside the "ropes", etc. And he's definitely got game.

[akrus]

Personally, I'll watch any tourney that Tiger, Els or Phil are in - anyone else, maybe I'll shovel the driveway...

I think Tiger is by far the most dominant player we will ever see - we're truly lucky to be able to witness history.

As for Phil, I've always liked his character and his play is fun to watch. Can be heart breaking as well, but when he pulls off the crazy shots, it's like nothing else... Besides, H tells us we have to like Callaway players...

Ernie will always be the guy I desperately want to have win regularly, but it's like he just can't compete against Tiger - something I think Phil can do on occasion.

There, maybe I won't get this message from the board for another couple of weeks:

Hello akrus it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums?

:D

[Golden Bear]

Bwadd, I agree with you.

Phil gets knocked for supposedly being arrogant, and people say that he's not well liked on tour (though the only people I know of who don't like him are Tiger and Daly, both of whom dislike a lot of people). He's also been called a "good friend" by the likes of Fred Couples and Chris DiMarco. So it's not like he's despised.

The fact is that, at least publicly, Phil carries himself with class and dignity -- and even humility. ("I'm such an idiot.") Is it phoney? I don't know, and I don't care. We can't know what the majority of athletes are like behind their public persona ... we can only know what we see, and what we see is good.

There's also what we don't see, of course, but hear about. Like Phil secretly paying the college tuition of a girl he'd never met after hearing about the hardships of her ex-NFLer father. We only learned about that because the father told people about it.

Are the Superbowl tickets and the ball for the girl, and the $100 to the fan with a broken watch, all for show? Don't known, and don't care. They're all classy moves that make people feel good, and it's great to see any athlete doing that sort of thing.

When J.B. Holmes is making a run at him at the FBR Open, Phil has the lead but during an interview says, he'd like to win, but would be happy for J.B. if he won. He wasn't prompted to say this ... he just did, because it's a classy thing to say.

Phil has class. He's well-liked by media, and I don't think there's any real corroboration for the popular internet notion that he's disliked by other players. He's also the most exciting player in the game when he's winning.

Really, it's tough NOT to like Phil.

[davepratt]

I go back and forth on Phil because I get influenced by the figjam rumours etc. that pop up every now and then. I always thought where there was smoke there was probably fire. I know it's unfair and it may come from lesser players who are just plain jealous. I also agree that a small gesture like flipping a ball to a fan is easy for the pro and does create lasting memories and it's too bad more pros don't do it.
Then however you see him being interviewed about the super bowl tickets and he asks the interviewer how he knew? Um Phil what did you think that big honking TV camera was filming? That's the stuff that makes people think he's phony. All in all a helluva guy to watch especially when he's in gunslinger mode.

[ebaj1]

I read on a magazine that Phil is legendary for his generosity among locker room attendants especially when he wins. Even when he doesn't win, they still get a tidy sum. There's also this story about him playing a pro-am, finding a little girl selling lemonade and asking how much for a glass. Girl tells him "Players drink for free". He drinks his lemonade and hands the girl a rolled up bill as a tip. The girl rolls it out and has the biggest smile when she sees the hundred dollar bill. Could be a myth but with Phil's rep and knowing he has 2 small daughters himself, I'd say it's true.:)

[The Troll]

I'm mixed on Phil....some of this stuff seems too orchestrated. So the question becomes is it a bad thing when something you do for yourself helps someone else? Tough call.

He did an amazingly unselfish thing by helping out a former ex-NFLer (Conrad Dobler) and his family who has suffered injuries and massive medical expenses. But guess who is supposed to have leaked his assistance to the press?

[Noremac]

The Phil that I saw refused an autographed to a kid in the parking lot even though the kid was the only one in sight. Perhaps there were no cameras in sight.

[milner_7]

Just so sick and tired of reading all the BS about Mickelson and the stuff he does, how he addresses the media, giving away tickets to the super bowl, giving away his game balls to kids as he walks to the next hole etc...

I was watching the Match play event and I saw him give a young girl his ball as he walked to the next hole it was AWESOME.... she had the biggest smile and he really made her day if not week, maybe more! I just know that if he gave me (male age 29) I would be like a kid in a candy store and probably talk about it for the rest of my life!!

I just think that he is very very good for the game.... I love watching him play, he's by far one of the most talented player's in the game today, and when he is in contention or even on the second page I know that I am glued to the TV!

I'm just sick and tired of all the Tiger Tiger Tiger.... I will be honest I could not even care. I know what he has done for the game and I respect that he is the best that will probably ever play, however I do not like him, nore do I like watching him play! I would rather watch Vjay, Phil, Camillo, KJ, etc any day of the week. And when Tiger is leading by a million shots on a Sunday.... BORING.... no golf to watch that day!

I'm sure I will get an ear full now from fellow TGN'rs regarding Phil or all the pro Tiger comments but I just wanted to praise someone other than Tiger for once!

Enjoy!

Ditto...well said:)

[Merlot]

The Phil that I saw refused an autographed to a kid in the parking lot even though the kid was the only one in sight. Perhaps there were no cameras in sight.

The guy is human. Orchestrated or not, its tough to bash the guy.

[Mule56]

Finally someone has said it. Myself I can't think of one player I don't like to watch. These folks are all better than I am and for that I am grateful I can watch them. I could care less about their personal lives and mistakes they made, since I have more than like made worse ones. Phil is a class act in a sport that has more than a few of them.
Mule

[imAnewbie]

i love mickelson! best short game ever! that's why I think mickelson is the only guy that can put pressure on tiger... doral? bmw? what else? i love tiger vs mickelson!

[Bwadd]

Thanks guys for the awesome comments!! Nice to see some Phil fans.... :)

I gotto tell ya he's just fun to watch. He is truly one of the Masters of this craft! When he is 100 or less yrd out of has the flat stick he is just one of the best if not the best to watch... the way he manipulates the ball on the green with a wedge is legendary!

I always sit in awww of his wedge shots... rediculous! Nobody gets as much spin as this guy!! lol

Too bad his out of the match play... geez! Appleby had to shoot -9 to take him out!! Pretty good!

Hope to see Vijay turn it on a bit!!

[ProV1Kenobi]

i've alwlays had a soft spot for Lefty, he's totally a class act, he's a human being with real soul, that and we share the same first name.

[TourIQ]

The Phil that I saw refused an autographed to a kid in the parking lot even though the kid was the only one in sight. Perhaps there were no cameras in sight.I am a huge leftie fan and Phil is my #1 player. Few can knock Phil for not giving autographs. I've seen him at 2 different events stay around for 30 to 40 minutes and sign for over 200 kids both times. Even the adults gets an autograph. Tiger on the other hand signs for 5 kids then makes an excuse to leave then ducks out the back door to his awaiting limo.

[Bellyhungry]

I don't like Phil and it has nothing to do with him being a class act or not. Outside the ropes, I think pro golfers has very little obligations to the fans.

I don't have any deep rooted hatred towards him, I even bought his book after his first Master win.

In fact, I don't always cheer against him. In Ryder Cup, I always cheer for him no matter who he plays against. When he faces Monty, I always cheer for him.

Between Phil and Tiger, I will root for Tiger. On the other hand, between Tiger and Weir, I will always root for Weir.

I didn't use to like Sergio. But I am starting to root for him since he got screwed by Boo Weekly at the PGA Championship last year.

Maybe one day, I will cheer for Phil.

[GQuizzle]

Phil's one of the nicest guys around... I had the chance (with some other gallery members) to exchange a few words with him at the Buick in 2007 before he tee'd off on No. 10 (his No. 1) and he was real easy and loose about it.

[Lefty17]

Everybody loves Phil when he if front of the camera. There are alot of guys on tour that don't like Phil.

I don't like Phil. Yes he does all these nice things for people.....why doesn't he open up a Learning Center.

To me Phil sounds fake. Whenever there is camera around he does something nice. Bones went and found TGC and told them about the Super Bowl tickets. So TGC had a camera follow them around trying to find the right people.

[Golden Bear]

Everybody loves Phil when he if front of the camera. What does he do behind the camera that you object to?


I don't like Phil. Yes he does all these nice things for people.....why doesn't he open up a Learning Center.Because then the Phil-haters/Tiger-worshippers would say, "Oh, there goes Phil just trying to imitate Tiger for the PR exposure."

Opening a learning centre isn't the barometer of "good" in the world.

Phil is involved with a number of charities in support of U.S. veterans and troops, and makes substantial contributitions to these charities (in addition to promoting them).

Just because his charitable work isn't a direct imitation of everything done by our lord and savior Tiger Woods doesn't mean it's irrelevant and non-existant.


To me Phil sounds fake. Whenever there is camera around he does something nice. Bones went and found TGC and told them about the Super Bowl tickets. So TGC had a camera follow them around trying to find the right people.How do you know he doesn't do nice things when cameras aren't around?

Phil's one of the nicest guys around... I had the chance (with some other gallery members) to exchange a few words with him at the Buick in 2007 before he tee'd off on No. 10 (his No. 1) and he was real easy and loose about it.You must have been on camera. Phil is only nice on camera, apparently. Are you sure you didn't see him eating children?

[landlord]

It's become conventional wisdom that Phil is "unpopular in the locker room" (with the other players).

But I have only heard this on golf message boards. Nowhere else. Colour me skeptical. (Same goes for Vijay, BTW.)

AFAIC, the guy's a diplomat if nothing else. Whether you call it diplomacy or phony, it beats a whole lot of alternatives.

[akrus]

It's become conventional wisdom that Phil is "unpopular in the locker room" (with the other players).

But I have only heard this on golf message boards. Nowhere else. Colour me skeptical. (Same goes for Vijay, BTW.)

AFAIC, the guy's a diplomat if nothing else. Whether you call it diplomacy or phony, it beats a whole lot of alternatives.

I never let other people decide how I should think about anything or anyone. If I don't have an opinion based on personal experience, I will make every effort to stay away from the rumour mills.

Until I hear Tiger or anyone say "I don't like Phil", I won't believe others saying that it's true. Also, assuming Tiger came up to me as I was having a Guinness and he said "You know, Phil's a jerk" - no matter how much I respect Tiger, I would still wait for Phil to prove to me that he's a jerk. I'm the type that will give anyone a chance to bury themselves.

[golf nut]

I never let other people decide how I should think about anything or anyone. If I don't have an opinion based on personal experience, I will make every effort to stay away from the rumour mills.

Until I hear Tiger or anyone say "I don't like Phil", I won't believe others saying that it's true. Also, assuming Tiger came up to me as I was having a Guinness and he said "You know, Phil's a jerk" - no matter how much I respect Tiger, I would still wait for Phil to prove to me that he's a jerk. I'm the type that will give anyone a chance to bury themselves.
A very good friend of mine played with Phil a couple of years ago, his caddy was also a close friend of mine, they had nothing but praise for him.

Personally I find him to be a nasal breathing moron with his head too far up his own anal orifice. My 2 cents worth.

[Biffm1]

Regardless of what "some" people say about Phil...call him "Plastic Phil", or "figjam" etc... I honestly didn't like Phil all that much, but he is starting to grow on me little, by little. It has nothing to do with his genourosity towards fans, or the press either. I think what I like about Phil is that he has become a human being. He isn't the golf-robot anymore. He has had his trials, and tribulations and has come to accept who he is. What I mean by this is that he seems genuine...more now than ever, more relaxed and at ease.
If Tiger doesn't like Phil, I think Phil figures...so what. He is trying to be the best golfer HE can be. I respect that. He is going to fight Tiger for majors, and he has even acknowledged that Tiger could win 4 this year, but Phil isn't going to lay down. Good. I hope Phil wins the U.S. Open this year. For Tiger its just another trophy for his case, and one more rung on the ladder to passing Jack. For Phil though, it would be the top of the mountain. I say good luck Phil.
My money is still on Tiger...that guy is sick.

[mitchkocz]

Being a lefty myself i gotta like phil. I would like to start a petition to get him into Tiger Woods 09' video game... that should confirm Tigers feelings about him.

[Pingnut]

He sure is fun to watch. He's one of the guys that can make a back 9 charge on Sunday at the Masters... Or blow up real good... either way it's good TV :p

[GQuizzle]

He sure is fun to watch. He's one of the guys that can make a back 9 charge on Sunday at the Masters... Or blow up real good... either way it's good TV :p

Sometimes its like watching a car accident in slow motion... little by little getting worse and eventually destroyed.

[Golden Bear]

Phil's fun to watch when he tries to pull off some nutty shot to get out of trouble. (A one foot gap between trees, or hitting a driver off the pine straw and fading it onto the green.) Sometimes it backfires, sometimes it works ... but it's always fun to watch.

I think it was at the PGA a couple of years ago where Phil was in some trees and had very little green to work with. One of the announcers said it was too bad he was so close to the trees, otherwise he could go over. Then you saw Phil's eyes go up ... and the announcers all started saying, "do it! do it!" He didn't -- even Phil has his limits -- but you knew he was thinking about it, and it was fun to watch.

[Andru]

Being a lefty myself i gotta like phil. I would like to start a petition to get him into Tiger Woods 09' video game... that should confirm Tigers feelings about him.
Phil Not being in Tiger 08 had nothing to do with Tiger and everything to do with a failure to negotiate a royalty for Phil M's image and 'likeness' for the game. As with just about any negotiation in business it's about the money.

I like PM too. Great Talent, Solid guy to the fans in general. He seems genuine to me.

He's also changed quite a bit. I'm sure fatherhood has made him humble as it does to most people. He also had a horrific experience with the birth of his son. His wife had some serious health issues. This changes a person. I think in his younger days he earned the FIGJAM title but he's since shaken that stigma.

This article illustrates the Phil Mickelson you see now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters04/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=1780343