Phil on Form

It has been almost two and a half years since Phil last hoisted a trophy. Some solace can be found in the fact that the trophy was the Claret Jug, which is one of the most prized possessions in the game, and brought Phil to the three-fourths point on his career journey to the grand slam. All things considered, the last few years have been desolate on the golf course for Phil though and, unfortunately, he is much more than three-fourths of the way though his playing career (at least his playing at an elite level career). With Phil hardly ever in contention over the last few years, one could not help but wonder if he would even win another tournament, forget another major or completing the career grand slam by winning the U.S. Open, which has evaded Phil to a degree that no other man has ever known.

After an extended hiatus, change in swing coach, and a tied for third finish in his PGA Tour opener, it appears that there is still gas in the tank, however. In fact, with just this small sample size of one tournament to go on, I think this is going to be a big year for Phil. With a chance to play in the Olympics and a chance to complete the career grand slam on the line, Phil still has a lot to play for as his forty-sixth birthday draws ever near. One can’t help but notice the locations of three of the four majors this year too. Of course Augusta is almost always a place where Phil contends, but the last two majors have intriguing locations as well. Royal Troon is the site of this year’s Open Championship, which is where Phil finished one shot out of a playoff between Todd Hamilton and Ernie Els in 2004. Baltusrol is the site of this year’s PGA Championship and also where Phil won the 2005 PGA.

I saw something last week. A Phil Mickelson that I have not seen much of in the last few years. A Phil Mickelson that it poised to have a big year. So, don’t be surprised if Phil wins at Torrey Pines this week, or at Augusta, or completes the career grand slam, or finds himself competing and maybe even winning in Rio in August. You know what? He might just do all four and more. I saw Phil on form and I am excited!