What a thrilling weekend in the golf world we were treated to this weekend. Phil, Weisy, Strick all winners and with so much drama it was edge of the couch, fist pumping, scream at the television kind of stuff.
I’ll start with Steve Stricker’s PGA Champions win first. There is no nicer guy in golf and that means the tours and everyone you hook up with at your home course. Strick is hands down the kindest guy to tee it up. And of course he’s one of the most emotional. I can’t recall a win for Strick when the tears didn’t show up in the post round interview. Even he admitted, “I cry every time.” And that’s fine with us.
I was one of those knuckleheads that stayed up late on Saturday night to catch the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s World Championship. And it was well worth it. The ladies put on such a dramatic show. Newcomer Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Brooke Henderson, Jenny Shin and Michelle Wie all traded blows into the wee hours of our morning. The Big Weisy came out on top with an earth shattering birdie on her 72nd hole to take the lead and earn her first win since the ’14 U.S. Open. It was great theater and could be a turning point in Wie’s roller coaster career.
She is as healthy as she has ever been and that’s saying something. Her long game is so solid and her putting, well let’s just say that it’s no longer the weakest part of her game. But rather as sharp as it has ever been. And what may be the most critical of all the aspects that makes up one of the most intriguing players in golf is her head. Yes, her head. She has it all together now and that always hasn’t been the case. She used to be her own worst enemy but now she’s truly her own best friend. She’s happy and confident and just may be ready to have one of those monster seasons we all had expected from her for so long.
The biggest headline of the weekend was Phil Mickelson’s come from behind win at the WGC Mexico Championship. Lefty was at his best as he navigated a narrow course and found his vintage putting stroke. Phil ended his nearly five season victory drought with a dramatic final round that finished with him besting the super hot Justin Thomas.
Thomas found his stroke on the weekend (62,64) and brought the house down with an eagle on the last hole to take 
the lead. But that just fueled Phil’s desire even more and when the young Thomas couldn’t match the old guy’s par in the playoff Phil had his long awaited win.
And Phil says he’s going to win at least seven more to get to 50 wins and with his record at The Masters who can doubt him. He can win on that course as long as he can get out there and walk it. He loves it there, plays well there and will be as pumped as he ever has been when he strolls down Magnolia Lane next month. And won’t that be fun.
Props to the very loquacious Justin Thomas who may have made an effort to curb his excited utterances and give the NBC execs a break from the FCC. Last week he let loose with a “F**k Yea” when he won at The Honda but he cleaned it up this week. However it was no less emphatic. With his dart-like approach to eighteen backing into the hole for eagle he high fived his caddie, screamed in joy with a “That’s what I’m talkin’ bout!” Good on you JT.
That’s what I’m talkin’ bout…great weekends like this.
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