Phil’s Not Close Anymore

We had heard it before, many times, “I’m close…I’m close.” That’s been Phil Mickelson’s refrain for the past years as he suffered through the longest victory drought of his career. His game was close. Close to being back to the championship caliber that earned him 42 PGA Tour wins, five majors and legions of fans.

He hadn’t lifted a trophy since his miraculous 2013 Open Championship win. He changed coaches and changed caddies but never changed his tune. He never doubted his talent, his motivation or his dedication. And when many had discounted the aging Hall of Famer he never did.

When Phil’s game showed flashes of its greatness his fans were waiting, ready to see him back in full bloom. And there were times, many of them when Phil would start off great and tease all of us that maybe this was the time. But a wayward shot would lead to a poor round and his chances and our hopes would soon be dashed. And that’s been Phil’s game for a long time…anything can happen.

Phil started 2018 rather poorly with a missed cut followed by a T45 at what essentially was a home game at Torrey Pines. But he was resolute, firmly stating to all that he was close, so close.

And then he was.

For three straight weeks he was so very close. Maybe he was buoyed by his old college magic in Phoenix and he finished tied for fifth. The following week he thrilled us at Pebble Beach with a tie for second and then at Riviera he again was close with a tie for sixth. Yes, he was close, just as he had been saying.

And this week in Mexico City on a tight, narrow golf course that would always be his kryptonite he was close again. He loved the course, he loved the city and he loved the fact the the youngsters of the PGA Tour were there to challenge him. Because Phil is at his best when he wants to prove his point. And prove it he did.

He was no longer close, no longer just a hair away, no longer wanting for his moment. It was here.

His game was solid as was his confidence. With a slew of players converging on the lead Phil was in the mix and his game was cooperating. Of course on his way to a five under 66 he had his “Phil” moments with a three putt bogey and another that went off trees, a bush and a few spectators.

But he was controlling his ball and his putter was in his “classic Phil” mode and that means damn hot. And when the hottest player on earth, Justin Thomas dropped an eagle on his final hole for a two shot lead Phil knew he needed to do something.

He knew where to go and what to do because his game was close. As close as it could ever be. It was right there in his hands. He responded like the Hall of Famer he is with two birdies, barely missed another for the win and went to a playoff with Thomas.

Neither player ever doubted their game on the first and last playoff hole but Thomas couldn’t get up and down from behind the green and all Phil needed was his par. And that was easy, easy because his game wasn’t close anymore.

It was there. It was back and it gave him his 43^rd win but more than that it gave him his validation. He knew he’d be back winning again, no matter how many naysayers thought otherwise.

Phil has been saying it for awhile, he was close. He was right and he proved it today. And he’s looking for more, Like The Masters, The U.S Open etc. etc.

After all when your game is back anything can happen.