Them Bones
On MSN.com this weekend there was a video with Jim “Bones” Mackay, Phil Mickelson’s caddie, about “Bones” visiting Wing Foot to scout the course for the upcoming U.S. Open in two weeks. Obviously this is a big event for Mickelson beyond just the fact of it being a “Major”; Phil has a chance to repeat the “Tiger Slam”. He has won the last two Majors (the PGA followed by the Masters) and seems to be playing some of the best golf of his life. Although he still likes to take chances from time to time, it seems over the past couple of years that even with that youthful tendency the new mature Mickelson stays focused and plays a much more controlled game. He seems to play with such precision and picks and choices when to get aggressive with a sort of strategic purpose in mind.
It appears, according to “Bones”, that the key will be off the tee this year. Golfers will need length but any wayward drives could be very costly. He says the fairways are clearly defined with a rough that could swallow up some balls or, at the least, give little chance to advance anything but turf. If Mickelson can keep the ball in the fairway it is going to be interesting to watch.
What about Tiger? We have heard little from Tiger Woods since the passing of his father. But you can bet he will be ready. It is amazing how Tiger Woods seems to come back from layoffs and pull things out of the hat. Almost like there’s a hunger to get back in the fray. There could be a lot of motivation in his mind, having just lost his father and you can bet he will be prepared.
I believe this has the drama and the potential of being one of the greatest events in golf history.
Up until last Sunday, the tour seemed to take a few steps back with more tournaments lost than won in a period of a few weeks. It was more like watching double-A ball each Saturday and Sunday. I even found myself turning the television off well before anything was decided because the only drama seemed to be; “who would miss hit the most shots” and that just isn’t interesting to me - And I love golf. But on the other side, this lull may have added to the anticipation – “calm before the storm”.
I wonder how many other caddies traveled to Wing Foot to check out the course conditions.
There is no doubt that there will be some “big time” strategy-building for this year’s tournament and it should be fun to watch. The cooler is cleaned, the refrigerator is full, and the couch has been properly fluffed. Bring it on!
Patch writes for Pocket Pro featuring Managing the Course which is being used this year by participants in 29 Major golfing events across the country. Put a Pro in Your Pocket.
It appears, according to “Bones”, that the key will be off the tee this year. Golfers will need length but any wayward drives could be very costly. He says the fairways are clearly defined with a rough that could swallow up some balls or, at the least, give little chance to advance anything but turf. If Mickelson can keep the ball in the fairway it is going to be interesting to watch.
What about Tiger? We have heard little from Tiger Woods since the passing of his father. But you can bet he will be ready. It is amazing how Tiger Woods seems to come back from layoffs and pull things out of the hat. Almost like there’s a hunger to get back in the fray. There could be a lot of motivation in his mind, having just lost his father and you can bet he will be prepared.
I believe this has the drama and the potential of being one of the greatest events in golf history.
Up until last Sunday, the tour seemed to take a few steps back with more tournaments lost than won in a period of a few weeks. It was more like watching double-A ball each Saturday and Sunday. I even found myself turning the television off well before anything was decided because the only drama seemed to be; “who would miss hit the most shots” and that just isn’t interesting to me - And I love golf. But on the other side, this lull may have added to the anticipation – “calm before the storm”.
I wonder how many other caddies traveled to Wing Foot to check out the course conditions.
There is no doubt that there will be some “big time” strategy-building for this year’s tournament and it should be fun to watch. The cooler is cleaned, the refrigerator is full, and the couch has been properly fluffed. Bring it on!
Patch writes for Pocket Pro featuring Managing the Course which is being used this year by participants in 29 Major golfing events across the country. Put a Pro in Your Pocket.
posted by Patch at 8:24 AM
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