by Jeff Skinner
Heading into this year’s U.S. Open Phil Mickelson may not be the betting favorite but he is sure to be the fan favorite.
Phil is desperately trying to break the U.S. Open Jinx and finally win one instead of finishing second as he has done on six occasions already. With his game in an uncharacteristic slump so late in the season it will take another one of Phil’s magic acts to win in Pinehurst.
But the odds never fazed Phil the Thrill as last year’s win at the Open Championship certainly proved.
But this year Phil is taking on more than the betting odds, more than the other players and more than Pinehurst No.2. Phil is tempting fate and challenging the Golf Gods themselves this time.
In a promotion with his equipment sponsor, Callaway, fans can earn a check comparable to what he earns at the U.S. Open. Fans can demo one of the Big Bertha metal woods and enter the contest which will award one lucky fan the same check that Phil earns, no matter where he finishes.
Last year’s winner, Justin Rose collected $1.44 million. Phil himself took home $696,104 for his sixth second place finish.
Sounds like a great deal for a lucky fan. After all, Phil’s average check for his career in the U.S. Open is over $183,000 and that would certainly make some hacker very happy.
Phil is a sponsor’s dream and he always goes the extra mile to promote his tools of the trade for Callaway. But I think he may be pushing it on this one. Phil and Callaway are forgetting about those forces that rule the game: The Golf Gods.
I am leery that the Golf Gods may take this move as a bit arrogant and the bounces that Philly Mick needs to win, and we all need a few lucky bounces, may not come is way.
We all know the Golf Gods giveth and the Golf Gods taketh and such a brash move by Phil could be construed as a challenge to the Gods. Call me crazy and superstitious but I wouldn’t want to offend the Golf Gods in any way.
But Phil is Phil and he’s bound to do things his own way. But even he says it in the commercial, “Like I need some more pressure.”
No, he has enough pressure what he needs is a bit of luck. Luck that the Golf Gods aren’t offended by this contest. Luck that can finally get Phil that elusive U.S. Open title and his coveted Career Grand Slam.
I am hoping that Phil finds his game and the Golf Gods have a sense of humor, as Phil certainly does, and maybe, just maybe Phil can find a way to win this thing.
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