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How Getting Whooped by Xander Helped Phil Win the PGA at 50
Relief pitcher Tug McGraw coined the phrase “Ya Gotta Believe,” which became the rallying cry of the 1973 New York Mets. Phil Mickelson may owe him some royalties after his stunning victory at the 103rd PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Despite not having registered a top-10 finish in a major since 2016, or even a top-20 finish on the PGA Tour this season, Mickelson still believed that he could not only win again, but win another major.
“I had seen the progress but I had not seen the results,” he said ahead of this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, “and so that’s why I say, I had a belief but until you actually do it, it’s tough to really fully believe it.”
Mickelson credited playing against stiff competition with keeping him motivated to raise his game to their level. Nearly a year ago, he played a series of rounds with Xander Schauffele at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, and Mickelson got waxed by the current World No. 6, who shot rounds of 64 and 63.
“I’m like, ‘Wow, OK. Let me try one more time,’ ” Mickelson recalled. “So, we go out next time and he shoots 62 and on a 220-yard par 3, I had to press and hit one to 4 feet and he makes a hole-in-one. I went back and talked to Amy and I’m like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to beat this guy.’ ”
Although I believed it was possible, I can’t believe this happened ? pic.twitter.com/lysjjrPqyb
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 24, 2021
At age 50, Mickelson worked harder than he ever had before, often playing as many as 45 holes a day.
“He’s one of the most competitive human beings I’ve been around, whether it’s ping-pong, doesn’t matter,” said Daniel Berger, the defending champion of the Charles Schwab Challenge. “Whatever it is, he just wants to win.”
Last month, Mickelson posted scores in the low 60s at The Farms that convinced him he was on the verge of returning to the winner’s circle.
“Then I went to Innisbrook (for the Valspar Championship) and I missed the cut and I didn’t shoot the scores and I didn’t execute on Tour the way I had been at home,” he said. “I still had a barrier to break through and that’s why I was so frustrated is that I wasn’t bringing my best out when I knew I could, and I had a glimpse there obviously at Charlotte in one round but wasn’t able to sustain it.”
Mickelson stumbled from leading the Wells Fargo Championship after an opening 64 two weeks ago, finishing T-69, but his confidence didn’t waver, said his brother and caddie Tim Mickelson.
“Right after Charlotte, he said, ‘I am going to win again soon.’ I just said, ‘Well, let’s just make sure we’re in contention on a Sunday,’ ” Tim Mickelson said.
Mickelson’s longtime agent Steve Loy echoed that sentiment. “Every time I try to tell him, look, we are running out of time, he’s going, ‘I don’t want to hear it.’ ” On the morning of the final round, Loy sent a simple text message to Mickelson, who he caddied for 30 years ago when Mickelson won his first PGA Tour title as an amateur at Arizona State.
“I said, ‘Phil, I’m getting too old for this, but you aren’t. Let’s get it done.’ ” Loy recalled.
Mickelson flew home Sunday night after the victory and stayed up celebrating with his wife, Amy. He’s back in action this week at a tournament where he’s won two of his 45 PGA Tour titles.
“I want to try to carry that momentum into a tournament that I’ve enjoyed many times and fortunate to win a couple of times on a great golf course,” he said.
I’ve failed many times in my life and career and because of this I’ve learned a lot. Instead of feeling defeated countless times, I’ve used it as fuel to drive me to work harder. So today, join me in accepting our failures. Let’s use them to motivate us to work even harder.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 11, 2021
It will be Mickelson’s last start before the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, one of his childhood playgrounds, in San Diego, and he’ll take two weeks to prep for the one major that has eluded him all these years. Winning a sixth major championship has bolstered his belief that it isn’t too late for him to complete the career Grand Slam.
“One of two things are going to happen: Either that’s going to be my last win and I’m going to have one of the most cherished victories of my career to look back on and cherish for a long time, or I also may have kind of found a little something that helps me stay a little bit more present and helps me focus throughout round a little bit longer and maybe I can execute and play golf at the highest level for a nice extended period of time now,” Mickelson said. “I don’t know which one it’s going to be, but either way, they are both positive.”
By Adam Schupak on Golfweek
Blog
Rainy Day Golf
Making the Most of Wet Weather on the Course
Ahoy, intrepid golfers! This week, we’re embracing the elements and diving headfirst into the wonderful world of rainy day golf. Because let’s face it – a little rain shouldn’t dampen our spirits or our love for the game. So grab your umbrellas, slip on your rain gear, and let’s make the most of wet weather on the course:
1. Embrace the Adventure: Rainy day golf isn’t just about playing through the rain – it’s about embracing the adventure and finding joy in the challenge. So throw on your waterproof gear, channel your inner adventurer, and prepare to tackle the elements like a true golfing pioneer.
2. Gear Up for Success: The key to enjoying rainy day golf is proper preparation. Invest in high-quality rain gear, including waterproof jackets, pants, and gloves, to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your round. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a towel to wipe down your equipment between shots.
3. Adjust Your Expectations: Playing golf in the rain requires a shift in mindset and expectations. Accept that your shots may not fly as far, the greens may be slower, and the conditions may be less than ideal. But remember, every golfer on the course is facing the same challenges, so stay positive and focus on adapting to the conditions.
4. Master the Wet Weather Shots: Rainy day golf presents its own set of challenges, but it also offers opportunities to hone your skills and try out new shots. Experiment with low-trajectory shots to keep the ball under the wind and rain, and practice your chipping and putting techniques on the soggy greens. You may be surprised at how much you can learn – and improve – in less-than-perfect conditions.
5. Embrace the Beauty of Nature: Rainy days may not be everyone’s idea of perfect golfing weather, but there’s a certain beauty and tranquility to be found on the rain-soaked fairways. Take the time to appreciate the lush greenery, the glistening raindrops, and the peaceful serenity of the course. After all, golf is as much about connecting with nature as it is about hitting the ball.
So there you have it, fellow adventurers – the secrets to making the most of rainy day golf. With the right attitude, gear, and mindset, you can turn even the dreariest of days into a memorable and enjoyable round on the links. Until next time, may your swings be smooth, your putts be true, and your rain dances be well-rewarded. Rain on, my friends!
Blog
From Divots to Dimples
The language of golf explained
Fore! Welcome, fellow golf aficionados, to a crash course in the language of golf – a colorful tapestry of terms and expressions that are as unique and varied as the game itself. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a greenhorn just starting out, understanding the language of golf is essential for navigating the fairways and greens with confidence and clarity. So grab your clubs, tee up your balls, and let’s dive into the lexicon of golf like true linguists on the links.
1. Divots: Let’s start with a classic – the divot. This term refers to the patch of turf that gets displaced when you take a swing at the ball, leaving behind a little chunk of earth in its wake. Divots are a natural part of the game and are often repaired by golfers as a courtesy to the next player.
2. Dimples: No, we’re not talking about those cute little indentations on your cheeks – we’re talking about the dimples on a golf ball. These tiny indentations help reduce drag and increase lift, allowing the ball to fly farther and straighter through the air. So the next time you marvel at the aerodynamics of a golf ball, just remember – it’s all in the dimples.
3. Mulligan: Ah, the mulligan – every golfer’s favorite do-over. This informal rule allows players to take an extra shot without penalty, usually reserved for shots that end up in the trees, the water, or the rough. It’s a time-honored tradition that’s as cherished as it is controversial, so use it wisely and sparingly.
4. Birdie, Eagle, Albatross: These aren’t just feathered friends – they’re also terms used to describe a golfer’s performance on a particular hole. A birdie is one stroke under par, an eagle is two strokes under par, and an albatross (or double eagle) is three strokes under par. So if you’re lucky enough to score one of these elusive creatures, be sure to celebrate like the champion you are.
5. Fore!: Last but not least, we have the timeless cry of “fore!” – a warning shouted by golfers to alert others of an errant shot heading their way. Whether it’s a wayward drive or a shanked iron, shouting “fore!” is the courteous thing to do to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the course.
So there you have it, fellow linguists of the links – a crash course in the language of golf. Whether you’re navigating divots and dimples, taking a mulligan, scoring birdies and eagles, or shouting “fore!” to warn your fellow golfers, understanding the language of golf is essential for mastering the game and enjoying the camaraderie of the fairway. So the next time you step onto the course, speak the language of golf with confidence and clarity – and remember, it’s not just a game, it’s a language all its own. Until next time, may your drives be long, your putts be true, and your vocabulary be as rich and varied as the game of golf itself. Swing on, my friends!
Blog
Revolutionizing the Ancient Game with New Innovations
Hello, golf lovers,
In our ongoing series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today we delve into the technological innovations that have transformed golf. From the digital booking systems like Loop Golf to advanced performance-tracking apps like 18Birdies, technology is not only changing how the game is played and taught but also enhancing how fans engage with the sport. Let’s explore how these advancements are revolutionizing golf.
Simulation and Virtual Reality
Golf simulators and virtual reality (VR) have significantly altered golf training and entertainment, allowing players to engage in virtual courses year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. These technologies replicate real-world physics in an immersive 3D environment, making practice both effective and engaging, particularly valuable in urban settings where real course access is limited.
Advanced Performance Tracking with 18Birdies
The 18Birdies app offers a suite of sophisticated tools that track performance and provide detailed analytics. It features a GPS rangefinder, score tracking, and social feed functionalities, allowing golfers to connect, share achievements, and participate in local golfing events and competitions, making golf more interactive and community-oriented.
Automated Tee Time Bookings via Loop Golf
LoopGolf.co revolutionizes how golfers secure tee times. By automating the booking process and continuously monitoring course availability, the platform ensures that golfers can effortlessly book slots even during peak times. This system is especially beneficial for securing tee times at popular courses, typically a challenging task.
Enhanced Course Management and Mobility
Technological advancements have also redefined course management and golfer mobility on the greens. Electric and solar-powered golf carts equipped with GPS provide precise yardages and strategic insights during play. Modern course management systems optimize maintenance and irrigation schedules, promoting sustainability and better playing conditions.
Transformative Viewing Experiences
For spectators, augmented reality (AR) and 360-degree video technologies offer immersive viewing experiences, making fans feel as though they are part of the live action. Additionally, streaming services and mobile apps allow fans to watch tournaments from anywhere, providing real-time statistics and player information, enhancing the spectator experience.
Technology’s integration into golf is a testament to the sport’s evolution, blending tradition with modernity. These innovations not only make golf more accessible and enjoyable but also ensure its relevance and growth in today’s digital world.
Join me next time as we explore the environmental impact of golf and the sport’s adaptation to ecological challenges.
Thank you for following along in our exploration of how technology is transforming golf.
Warm regards,
Robert Greenfield
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