Round 4: Deutsche Bank Championship
September 5 2011
5:45 pm
Mickelson pleased by weekend
By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM
NORTON, Mass. – Phil Mickelson couldn’t be too disappointed with his closing 69 on Sunday at TPC Boston.
He birdied three of his first seven holes to move to 10 under and keep pace with the leaders who were playing with abandon, draining putts from long range and chipping in for eagles. While Mickelson couldn’t maintain the pace, as he had done on Saturday in shooting a tournament-best 63, he was pleased with his weekend overall.
"I hit it really well yesterday," Mickelson said. "I had a lot of tap-ins, which was great. But it was a good weekend for me because I had been struggling a little bit and played well on the weekend to get a little bit of confidence heading into this bye week."
Mickelson, who will head to Chicago for the BMW Championship ranked 11th in the FedExCup, said he was happy with the hot start. But given the difficulty of the wind and Sunday pin placements, he knew he needed to get to 12 or 13 under before he could entertain realistic thoughts of winning.
"That’s kind of my number where I thought I could take a peek," Mickelson said. "But I never quite got there."
And as far as the experiment with the belly putter? Well, Mickelson is not ruling it out for next week’s BMW Championship — or beyond. Nor is he wholeheartedly committed to it.
"I thought that the last couple of days especially, but throughout the whole week, from six feet on in, I felt very good with it," Mickelson said. "I made a lot of good ones. Because of that, I think I’m going to practice with it a little bit more from the 10- to 25-foot area where I need to make some of those, and I really didn’t make one this week.
"If I can do that, if I can get effective with that, I think I’ll try to stay with it. … I think it had some merit, and I’m going to practice with it a little more and see if I can get a better feel, a better touch with it."
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All in All Not BAD
Not bad at all. T-10 after making the cut on the number at T-67.
MAN BOOBIES had a good weekend.
Very good phil, great round saturday-very solid overall. The overall confidence for the game comes back when you know your more likely than less likely to be holing from 6 foot in, all of a sudden you’l start peppering the pin with great iron shots. They say getting feel for distance with belly putter takes lots of practice and its impossible to hole 20 footers if your overly concerned about getting distance right. Great to see you back in form.
Good Job Phil!!! Take Chicago!! God Bless you and your Family!!!
You lost me as a fan when you switched to the belly putter
phil is probably the most talented golfer i have seen, good long game-exellent short game-terrific putter but mentally average. for tiger to copy some of his shots say’s it all.personality ?you can have him re- f.i.g.j.a.m. for the last 12-18 months he’s been the most under -achieving golfer around [MORE SO THEN TIGER.]. at his best these rookies ,and other young up-commers wouldn’t get near him.the trouble is phil knows all this. he is one golfer who doesn;t need the long putter but he loves the headlines.CAN YOU POSSIBLY imagine the headlines if tiger used the long putter?[which wont happen ]he has to much to lose and would not risk it.TIGER IS MESIAH.CHEERS
I watched the last 1/2 hour with the volume off because I’m SO done with the pisstanks shouting out their immature little voices after every tee shot is hit and they know that their fraternity bedfellows are listening. Over service is not really necessary to built the ‘gate take’ just charge an extra $2 to get in. Since volume was down can some one tell me if Simpson thanked his god he loves so much. I wonder how many innocent children were molested while good old god was looking after simpson???
@Luc…You were NOT a fan!!!Fans stick by through thick AND thin!!By the by Webb won with a belly putter also said that he was tired.A 20 something year old is tired; than Phil must be tired as well.Good job,Phil!!!Take Chicago!!!
Almost a 6,
you sound a little bitter.
@James..Could be almost a 6,sounds a LOT bitter.(not better)he he Just kidding!!
Isn’t really the putter is the person.Phil is over the hill like a lot of the veterans on tour.They should all go to the senior tour.This is a new era of golf.
@lucy..Really?Over the hill?Phil shot 63 yesterday and 69 today with a belly putter he had just put in his hand this week.Tiger?nothing.I will and did give congratulations to Webb Simpson for his fantastic golf.lucy you must be a troll to make a comment like that.Did you congratulate the winner,Webb?There is a site for it;and he’s part of the new era of golf.
Don’t even mention the pig.The dirty stinky pig is done.
not bitter at all guys. just not a fan of the turn golf is making…tiger brought many new fans to the game…I knew that the game when going to the local driving range and day after day there were more and more ‘punks’ with their slutty looking ‘dates’ swinging as hard as they could at the ball all the while checking themselves out in anything that would reflect their ugly,tattooed,junkie looking bodies…needless to say I canceled my membership there..but I won’t even get into the religious crap ’cause i have to watch my blood pressure…..also remember this…a forum is for opinions not judgment…if you don’t like what you see,move on!!
Yes!!!!Opinions matter!!!!ALL of mine are right!Everyone else is wrong!!!Just kidding.(Yep. LOTS of bitterness)Come one, it’s just a game!!Son there will be snow on the ground and what then?The dreadful hockey talks.OOOOOOOOO
Sorry it should read soon there will be….
@ almost a 6. Should change your name to almost a heart attack, you are way to bitter!
Wow…taking exception to a man’s PERSONAL religious beliefs, just because you are an atheist. You are a monstrous intolerant jackass! Go goose step along. You are one of those rare jerks on the course who makes any walk-on single cringe. P.S. Have you seen the movie “Little Nicky”? Watch it, if you haven’t…I think you will be enjoying a pineapple every day in the afterlife.
Some people think belly putters are bad for golf. Those people play with Razr drivers and Pro V1′s or penta’s. Kind of hypocritical huh.
@ lucy. Sounds like you would hate Phil even if he won 10 tourneys in a row
Almost 6-opinions have consequences. Your opinion draws other opinions that don’t jive with yours so you judge them the way you don’t want to be judged. HYPOCRITE. Did you have a tragedy in your life that you can’t deal with so all you can do is blame GOD or mock people who do believe? The hospitals are full of your types, in the nut wards.
Luc, you were not much of a fan if that is all it took. Why didn’t the press make a fuss when Els went over to a long putter?
pcnot,I think i’m in love with you. You tell it like it is big guy…i always knew someone like you would put me in my place….bless you my son,bless all of you lovely pepol and hope that you make lots of them birdie things and eat wild goats as they graze through the door have you seen my taxi??
Let’s ALL agree to disagree!This GOLF site is getting way too personal but like I said I agree to disagree!!!!Take Chicago,Phil(The Thrill)Mickelson!!!!
i agree,let’s all get along and maybe we could go out for ice cream and a soda,,ya?
i will make sure the cream is cold and the soda pop is oh so tasty
Thanx Almost… I’ll pass that for now!!I’m REALLY particular who I date,lover!!!
Almost….You and Carl should get together.Nope bad idea,the tension could have severe results!!
Sorry Almost I’m REALLY particular in whom I date,sweetie!!
Would whoever is in charge of posting please “BAN” Lucy.
She only posts non-golf related negetive, abusive comments towards Tiger and now Phil.
She is obviously green with envy at anyone who is successful.
To Bob Loblaw…Didn’t you just do the same thing you accused Lucy of? It’s still a free country and EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion!Being a golf fan and I might be stepping on some toes here; but I don’t mind hearing about different players and what they are doing…that includes Tiger and Phil and don’t worry they are big boys they can handle the heat!
@ Golf Fan:
Yeah opinion on golf topics, tool!
Look at her posting, and I quote:
“Don`t even mention the pig. The dirty stinky pig is done.”
That is just wrong, there are young golf fans that frequent this site.
People can have any opinion they want but that is just garbage.
@Bob Loblaw…Yes…You ARE right.I forgot about the young golf fans.My mistake.
Phil is still the most talented golfer on tour and has ALL of the shots in his bag. Everyone goes through changes and peaks/valleys. Still in the top 10, ranked at #6 in the world. I wouldn´t call that over the hill. Look at the stats and the money list and then draw your opinions, or just ignore it and go home to your cave.
THANKS TAMMY!!!!EXCEPT FOR GO HOME TO YOUR CAVE BIT!!
golf has become very similar to surfing in the past few years in rankings the young kids are here to stay they are more dedicated now way more fitter and stronger and have the phycoligy help that many old pros would have dreamd on they will rarely choke now but like surfing you will still have some freaks like kelly slater in golf tiger woods these freaks can never be counted out they have the ability to just win phil i think is still in this league go phil go tiger
shooter mgaven, “You are Spot On.”
Not only has “Golfing Equipment” been improved over the past few years, but Today’s Young Pros have also………
It’s almost like there’s a “Step-Up Younger Tour Level” within the PGA Tour Players Organization at this time. These Younger Pros, that I refer to as “GYM-ERS” are not only “Overly Strong”, but also “Super Flexible”. IMO what has also changed is the amount of “Outside Family Support” that younger players can find at this time to support them on the tour………
Years ago pros had to follow their own path to the tour, where today “Corporations” are just waiting to get their Logos on Young Players Hats and Shirts…….
Tiger, more so than Mr. Phil fits in with this group, but I have to say that John Daily headed up this group in its beginning.
who is this lucy? better look up states on the tour and wins. Phil is on of the best. Hope this golf never has to go through what Phil has in the last couple of years, Shame on you.
Phil is such a great guy, I can’t believe people who have bitterness toward him. Webb Simpson should have thanked Chez Reavie for making bogey from the fairway with a wedge in his hands-instead of God. I really doubt God was rooting for him and against Chez.
Phil, Nice TOP 10 Finish!!! Go get em in Chicago!
A few weird, negative comments here, but, that is to be expected. Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even if it is… WRONG!! ha ha..Lucy, go soak your head..ha ha. Are you the same Lucy, from P-Nuts comics…? Your famous! Or, infamous, I’m not sure which! Go PHIL!!!!
Kevdaly I got a little different spin on Mr. Simpson’s Lord reference.
I thought that he was just thanking the Lord for his Blessings, not that he helped him win the playoff.
When it comes to Religion people seem to become very sensitive at just about anything that’s said.
I felt that Mr. Simpson was just letting everyone know that he wasn’t putting himself first, and that he found personal strength within the confines of his faith.
First Reviewer, I think you nailed it on the head. Webb was just thanking the Lord for his blessings that’s all. Other professional athletes thank the Lord and people don’t take it out of context and think that the Lord help the whole team win because some of the players are believers.
Simpson was not thanking God for giving him a victory over someone else. He was thanking God for allowing him the strength (his faith) to play as well as he could and to be thankful for the blessings he receives whether he wins or not. Explaining the peace you have with this fatih to someone is like explaining the feeling of having your first kid to someone who doesn’t have any kids. Its unexplainable.
Well said Duane!
Great tournament, exciting finish – good to see many of the young players do well, and some unfortunately falter. But, very enjoyable. Good golf, and some exciting stuff from Phil. Go Phil, wishing you a win in Chicago!
Austin there is a big difference between the belly putter and drivers and golf balls (drivers, which by the way, they have put restrictions on!). The belly putter is specifically mentioned as being illegal in the rules of golf as it “anchors” (and this is the word used in the rules) the putter in the belly, taking away the use of arms and hands to make a stroke. This is not the case for the long putter, just the belly putter. Anyone who knows the game knows the belly putter is not right and should not be allowed. Nerves and strong mental toughness are a HUGE part of competitive golf and the belly putter helps golfers, either older ones like Phil who have lost their nerve or younger guys who simply never had the nerves to begin with, get around actually having to make a stroke. There isn’t anything in the rules of golf that talk about the advancing of golf balls and drivers (until recently when they put a cap on clubhead size and COR). So, if you knew something about the rules and knew something about golf at the highest levels, you would know why some players on TOUR think those putters are a cheat: because they are. Unfortunately, the TOUR can no longer do anything about it because the TOUR is run by the players and too many players are using them. It would cause a raucus. They should have dealt with the belly putter issue a LONG TIME AGO.
Not well said Duane. Not well said at all. Thanking god for your strength is basically saying you as a person couldn’t have done it on your own. Sad, pathetic. I guess compared to Tiger who didn’t have the strength of god behind him (ROFLMAO) really must be amazing in your mind to have won everything he has without god. Thanking god for your achievements is an example of a low self esteem. He could not have done it without god? Um, he did do it without god. Simpson is the one who put in all the hours, he is the one who hit all the shots, and he is the one who dealt with the pressure. Now, if in his mind he needed to believe there was some imaginary figure giving him strength, good for him. However, if he truly believes there was some otherwordly figure behind him, that is just arrogant and asinine. Yes, god came down to give Simpson strength so he could win a golf tournament. No, the strength was within Simpson the entire time. He just needs someone to let him know that he always had the strength and he is the one who accomplished everything by himself. God had nothing to do with it.
Also Duane, having a kid and the way you feel about it is not unexplainable. It only seems that way to the unintelligent and inexperienced. The same goes for people who thank god for “blessings.” What a line. Do you people have spines at all? Do you take credit for any of your hard work or is any hard work you are able to do and anything you are able to accomplish gods blessing? And then when your family is killed by a drunk driver, is god punishing you for doing something wrong or are those his blessings too? Any person to think that if there is a god (I don’t know, but I do know if there is one, he sure as hell is not saving us or our planet – seems like most of you don’t really know whats going on out there in the world and the calamity that lays ahead otherwise you wouldn’t be able to live in your closed off little world where god does things for specific people and you have the luxury of believing all the good people will be in a wonderful happy place for eternity and all the bad people will be in a horrible place for all of eternity – god, just typing that is embarrassing – you can’t see what a psychological crutch that is for all of you who can’t handle life and make excuses for why you haven’t accomplished what you wanted) that he is active in our lives, thats all just wishful thinking.
Also Duane, having a kid and the way you feel about it is not unexplainable. It only seems that way to the unintelligent and inexperienced. You are no more intelligent than the people 2,000 years ago who believed in multiple gods. The same goes for people who thank god for “blessings.” What a line. Do you people have spines at all? Do you take credit for any of your hard work or is any hard work you are able to do and anything you are able to accomplish gods blessing? And then when your family is taken from you by a drunk driver, is god punishing you for doing something wrong or are those his blessings too? Any person to think that if there is a god (I don’t know, but I do know if there is one, he sure is not saving us or our planet – seems like most of you don’t really know whats going on out there in the world and the calamity that lays ahead otherwise you wouldn’t be able to live in your closed off little world where god does things for specific people and you have the luxury of believing all the good people will be in a wonderful happy place for eternity and all the bad people will be in a horrible place for all of eternity – god, just typing that is embarrassing – you can’t see what a psychological crutch that is for all of you who can’t handle life and make excuses for why you haven’t accomplished what you wanted) that he is active in our lives, thats all just wishful thinking.
Aaron,
1) Long putters have exactly the same problem as belly putters as they are usually anchored in the chest or chin.
2) You are inventing rules when you say that anchoring or belly putters are not permitted. I will eat my words if you can provide me a USGA or R&A rule number that states they are not allowed.
While these putters and techniques are all currently allowed under the rules, there is a rational argument that they should not be and this has been discussed for 20 years.
Let’s be clear about the real issue here which is NOT length of putters. The anchoring against the body is what may be banned as a legal stroke…just as straddling the line was in Sam Snead’s day.
If a longer than standard putter is used with the butt end not touching the body then it should and would be permitted. Angel Cabrera has already shown us this technique in the 2009 Masters.
Intelligent people need to stop accepting delusional drivel that spews from the mouths of athletes or anybody else.
I would like to thank the giant pink dolphin that swims in the ozone layer that knows my thoughts and dreams for sprinkling me with magic dust and making me win golf tournaments while children are being raped and starved around the world.
Get a grip, Webb.
@Aaron Smith, Philosopher emeritus! REALITY is a function of a an individuals perception. Your reality is what it is, to you. Webb Simpson obviously is of the perception that he gains in some way through his faith. You seem to take issue with another persons perception. Really? By the way, I too am unable to find in the Rules of Golf, this “rule” or description/decision or whatever that you cite concerning “anchoring”, enlighten us as to the location of such a “rule” will ya?
Golf Logic,
Some might argue that the belly putter breaches Rule 14-3a and possibly 14-3c. It does not mention “anchoring” but the question is this, is anchoring the club assisting the player in making a stoke? USGA and R&A need to consider this, though likely they are already doing such.
Some how I spontanyously feel he deserves great victories.I would injoy seeing him doing that actyally and then why not next week end?
Flying Spaghetti Monster, I enjoyed reading your post. Your point is well taken, and your referenced “Pink Dolphin”, which Swims in the “Ozone Layer of Life”, is well thought out…..
Many do not only expect, but demand balance, not only in their own life, but also throughout the world in general….. Understanding that one’s religion is not based on expected conditions, but on a combination facts and faith certainly can provide one with limitless self-encouragement….
I totally understand your point, and I’m sure that you have gotten a lot of people thinking about the Plight of All Children throughout the World, which IMO is a Good Thing, Thank You….
Mr. Simpson not only won a tournament yesterday, but he was nice enough during his post interview to let all of us enjoy his accomplishment right along with him, and his family.
“Sports at its Finest.”
The issue is anchoring the putter, but this isn’t anything new to golf. Billy Casper, arguably the greatest putter ever, use to anchor his putter all the time.
Aaron Smith…I am new to some of this lingo…What does (ROFLMAO) stand for?
Mickelson should be pleased with his 3rd and 4th Round scores. The first two Rounds were his down-fall. Using the NEW Putter at this stage of the Tour seemed wrong to me. He should have waited and do some practicing in the Off-season and made the final decision in 2012.
For 20 yrs now Phil has been a consistant Golfer. Winning one or two Tournament a year. His arch rival for the past 15 yrs came to the forefront quickly and now it looks like the decline is just as rapid as his foe disappears into the sunset.
Phil still has nine years before he hits the Senior Curcuit but the possiblity of Phil reaching the 50 Win mark on Tour looks bleak because of the great influx of Young Golfers. He should be good for a few more Wins (5/6).
mary;mary;mary;-mickelson has been a brilliant golfer,and still has most of the skills to win BUT he’s to rapt up in him/self, f.i.g.j.a.m. is his nickname given to him by his peers. as for young golfers comming through, the jury is still out on them.ie; watney johnson bradley mcilroy simpson fowler ect,my theory is the top players from the past are playing well below their best which makes the rest look better then they are.some of these guy’s have probably never played with tiger .just rember whenever we have a sunset its allways followed by a sunrise.cheers/
[ROFLMAO] its tiger talking to couples about pres/cup. re;roll over fred let me attach orally.
Scott…Thanks for the explanation.
HAO…please advise what f.i.g.j.a.m. is?
Just remember, I’m new at this…
fu-k iam good just ask me.use your imagination for the first word. cheers
Mary, ROFLMAO mean Rolling ON Floor Laughing My A$$ Off.
Hao….The Sun will always rise and shine on the New budding Golfers. The Tiger-lily had its moments of glory in the Sun during the past 14/15 years.
Lets face it… even an excellent gardener doesn’t keep the same flower in the Sunshine forever. If you want to continue watching the beauty of the Pro Tour then you have to wait and see what flower blossoms best when the Sun rises in the new morning. Its natures way of keeping your interest peaking.
Jim-WTF ? Hao, tiger is done- great to see phil playing well but please ditch the cheat stick, lol.
Mary – the initials f.i.g.j.a.m is more in line with (Fellas!, I get jealous about Mickelson).
Considering what Phil has in life: Lovely wife, great family, high morales and a Hall of Fame Golf career, need I say more.
I have only read one item recently about Mickelson that isn’t complimentary and that was from Tiger Woods former caddy when he was still caddying for Tiger. At least he had the guts to confirm that he made the negative comment when asked by a reporter. However, we know where that caddy is now. Is his opinion worth taking to the bank?
Mary – In the early part of Phil’s career, he often was referred to as a “BGNTWAM”.
If you are not sure what it means and someone else doesn’t write in soon, just let me know and I will tell you.
Joe – Your explanation appears to be a good one. I can understand Tigers’ Caddy making a remark about a foe on the Golf course, especially One that is a treat to beat his boss. From what I can gather, he looks for attend among his peers.
Jim – by all means let me know what “BGNTWAM” means in regards to Phil Mickelson.