The thrill may be back
Mickelson should be a contender at Buick Invitational
Posted: Thursday February 11, 1999 01:05 PM
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Mickelson has the current PGA streak of consecutive years with at least one win. AP |
By Benjamin Berman, CNN/SI
This week we're going out on a limb with the CNN/SI Player to Watch, picking Phil Mickelson.
At first some may balk at this choice and say it is hardly a random choice. In fact, it may be viewed as conservative. Looking a little closer, Mickelson is clearly a surprise choice.
He struggled in 1998, or least for him. In that "off-year" Phil shot just 38 of 83 rounds under par. Still, he managed 2 wins in 1998 and earned over $1.8 million.
And this year, he hasn't played much better. In 1999, he has made all 3 cuts, but has only shot five of 11 rounds under par -- and only one of those in the 60s (a 67 last weekend at Pebble Beach).
So why are we picking him as this week's favorite?
Well, Mickelson is the same star he always was, just in a funk. He is due to come out and this weekend is as good as any. Actually, this weekend is better than any.
He has a history of success at the Buick Invitational, winning in 1993 (his first PGA title as a pro). Also, in 1996 he was runner-up at Buick to Davis Love III. And, if it wasn't for a third-round 77 in 1997, Mickelson may have won the event again.
This weekend is also a family affair for Mickelson. His brother, Tom, will also compete at the Buick.
What's more, Mickelson has a history of playing well early in the year. He has been named PGA Player of the Month three times in January alone.
It's time for Mickelson to find his groove again. No, chances are he won't shoot 45 of 76 rounds under par every year (like he did in '97), but neither will anybody else -- Duval and Tiger being the exception.
Why Mickelson is a
Buick Inviatational favorite |
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1999 is ranked 12th in World Golf Rankings
1999 is tied for 4th in total driving
1998 was 8th on World PGA Tours Money List with $1,837,246
1996 most tour wins (4)
1996 Buick Invitational runner-up
1993 Buick Inviational champion
Holds current PGA streak of consecutive years with at least one win (6)
Needs win to move up from 14th on Ryder Cup standings
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Mickelson has the current PGA streak of consecutive years with at least one win (6), after Greg Norman failed to win a tournament last year.
At 28, Mickelson's best years are definitely ahead of him, but he better step it up soon before his time comes and goes. And thus, the hunch that he will break through this weekend.
Remember, he may have struggled of late, but he is the same golfer who has 12 titles in seven years as a pro (and one as an Amateur in 1991), putting him in elite company. In 1998 he became the youngest player since Jack Nicklaus to win more than 10 times on the PGA Tour.
Still not convinced Mickelson is a strong candidate to make a run this weekend. Look at just a few highlights in his past:
Along with Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, one of only three players to win the U.S. Amateur and NCAA Championship in the same year (1990) 1991 Golf World Amateur of the Year 1990 U.S. Amateur Champion Three-time NCAA Champion and Player of the Year
Lookout this weekend at the Buick Invitational for the return of "Phil the thrill."
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