Out Of The Woods

Congratulations to Phil Mickelson for his come-from-behind victory in the British Open.  The day before it looked like it'd be a shoot-out between Woods and Westwood, but everyone up top fell away while Phil had an amazing five-under par day, and finished three strokes ahead, the only players to be below par.

I've always felt a little sorry for Mickelson--as sorry as I can feel for someone so rich and successful.  He had to come up around the same time as Tiger Woods, and has always played in his shadow. While he gets recognition, it's nothing compared to  what Tiger gets.  Without Woods around, Mickelson would be the top golfer of his era, and would probably be recognized (more than he is now) as one of the all-time greats.

As it is he's won 42 tournaments and 5 majors.  I wonder if he ever thinks what those stats would look like if he didn't always have to face Tiger.  (For the record, Woods has won 78 tournaments and 14 majors, and has been playing a shorter time.)