Posted on 06/19/2006 9:49:13 AM PDT by gridlock
MAMARONECK, New York -- Phil Mickelson's bid for a third consecutive major ended with a shocking collapse when he bungled his way to a double bogey on the final hole to give the U.S. Open to Geoff Ogilvy. Mickelson tied for second after losing a two-shot lead on the final three holes.
Mickelson was on the verge of joining Tiger Woods as the only players over the last 50 years with three straight majors.
Mickelson said losing this one "hurts any more than any tournament because I had it won.''
But the old Phil took over. He was wild off the tee on 18 after hitting his driver off the roof of a hospitality tent. He muffed his second shot and then hit his third shot into a bunker. He got out but two-putted to finish tied for second.
Mickelson said "I can't believe that I did that. He he added: "I'm such an idiot.''
You know how some fans watch NASCAR just for the wrecks?
Same thing...
I do.....and you are.
Pole Creek is a public course in the high country down the valley from Winter Park. It's a drop dead gorgeous course. Last time I played there my wife bought me a super size value pack of balls at a discount place. I used darn near all of 'em and had a fantastic day.
I even could see the mistake he was making on TV. To bad he had NO one pointing out in those last holes what he was doing with his drives. They were ALL hooking right big time, his swing sucked. I would've thought a pro like him would have at least had someone with him to point out the error he was making.
He can't take advice from anyone but his caddy during a round. It'd be a penalty if he did.
The caddy can offer advice, but he doesn't have to take it.
Next time, I bet he does...
Furyk bogeyed 18 when a par would have put him in a playoff.
Harrington bogeyed the last three holes, when a par-par-par finish would have made him the outright winner. (Not to mention taking a Triple-Bogey on 18 on Saturday)
Montgomery underclubbed on 18 and double-bogeyed, when a par would have won it for him and a bogey would have put him in a playoff.
And Mickelson...... no one has exhibited such bone-headed decision-making on the 72nd hole of a major since Jean Van de Velde.
Congratulations to Geoff Ogilvy, who did what none of the above could do: parred seventeen and eighteen to win!
The Scottish Game has a huge mental part to it...
Can't someone tell his caddy?
His caddy should have punched him when he asked for the driver on 18 and handed him the three-iron or the four-wood.
Maybe he needs a new caddy.
I wouldn't be surprised if that happens in the near future.
I don't have the rule book handy, but even if it's not against the letter of the rule, it would be against the spirit of the rule.
That hurt to watch. But at least he has many other majors under his belt so it didn't sting quite as much. But still, Phil--you should have played it safe. Instead of recreating Tin Cup.
Soliciting advice on club selection, other than from one's caddy, is a two-shot penalty.
It's easy to second-guess an athlete when they're in the heat of competition. From what I read about the truly great golfers, few of them have that angel on their shoulder telling them, "go conservative here...you don't need to go for the green...lay up, instead." They simply believe they're going to make great shots.
In Mickelson's defense--despite hitting only two fairways all day--the man was making great saves! I asked myself how long that could last (apparently for only 17 holes).
Personally, I think he played to the pro-Mickelson galleries we kept hearing about. They were all cheering him on, begging him to make the shot of a lifetime. If he had hit the green with that second or third shot, he would've had a plaque hung on the side of that trash can. He played for history, and the course got the better of him.
"Phil Mickelson's bid for a third consecutive major ended with a shocking collapse when he bungled his way to a double bogey on the final hole to give the U.S. Open to Geoff Ogilvy"
Which club is used for a "bungle" shot?
Payne, of course, died just a few months later. Ever since, I've like to think that Payne was Phil's guardian angel on the golf course. A romantic notion, I know, but a nice one. :)
He had already pulled off miracle shot after miracle shot that day (and the week before.) He was just tempting luck again (could have worked again.)
But then a 4-wood off the tee (the hole actually plays easier if you lay back a little) or a chip out from the trees and he would have won.
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