Phil Mickelson, who has a good time in Mexico three weeks ago, in the Houston Open, shot 30 on the front nine. He was one of the lead players until a double-bogey on the 14th hole, at the time when it took him two shots to get out of a bunker. Along with Jordan Spieth, he shot 68.
Sam Ryder played just enough golf to have his name on of the leaderboard in the Houston Open.
Golfers have started trooping in for the Presidents Cup set for the Liberty National this week.
In the International team Branden Grace and Hideki Matsuyama were seen preparing later in the day after the American team had practiced. Patrick Reed and Phil Mickelson were among the early arrivals as Charley Hoffman and Kevin Chappell joined to practice. Mickelson is the only American that did not feature in the Tour Championship though. The Americans had gathered on Sunday at the hotel to celebrate Justin Thomas’ FedEx Cup win.
For now the captains, assistants and caddies are doing more of the work scouting the rerouted layout. The American team had captain Steve Stricker, assistant Davis Love III and their caddies moving around the layout, same as the International captain Nick Price and assistant Mike Weir.
The American team is expected to impress at this year’s event, coming off their big win at last year’s Ryder Cup. The FedEx Cup winner Justin Thomas and Open champ Jordan Spiethwould lead the American side against the rest of the world, excluding Europe.
Phil Mickelson missed cut at the PGA Championship last month, this was his fourth in the previous eight majors.
This time, Mickelson needs the help of his doctor for a different thing, he has been struggling with energy and focus and he is looking for the assistance for the same.
In the first and the opening round of the Dell Technologies Championship (DTC), he made three birdies and only one bogey en route to a two-under 69, where he trails Dustin Johnson by three strokes.
Mickelson said “All through the time, this is the time when I had the best focus and energy. I am very disappointed with my short game. The problem that I am facing is I am unable to visualize the shot that I am trying to hit. And today, after a long time, I am again feeling the old me in me. I am able to envisage the shot. So, it is a good day for me, especially around the greens.”
About a few weeks ago, when long time caddie Phil Mickelson and Jim Mackay “Bones” announced their split, it was surprising; both used their statements to joke famous veto power of Bones’.
The pair of Mickelson and Tim had their first day appearance on the course after the breakup with Bones at the Greenbrier Classic, here Mickelson shot a 3-under 67. The question here is so how did it go? Through PGATour.com:
Tim said, “To admit at the first, for him I had one bad number on the second hole, but as he hit it I caught it besides that easy peasy”.
Just like a gambler, the golfer Phil Mickelson does not like to be in bookmakers’ agreement always. But, now when it comes to player Jon Rahm, Mickelson could not help himself.
It has been 40 years since the player Fuzzy Zoeller became the only and the last player to win the event Augusta major at the first time of asking. However, after the brush of Rahm with glory on Sunday at the WGC Dell Match Play, his Augusta odds have fallen down to an exceptional low.
At the Arizona state, Phil Mickelson had made a name as the reigning U.S Amateur and an NCAA champion.
Young Phil had called up Arnold Palmer, asking if they could play a practice round together. Till date, he still cherishes the impact made by Palmer on him at Augusta that weekend.
And recently, Golf Digest, in collaboration with the Monterrey Peninsula Foundation decided to honor Mickelson with the Arnie award, considering his several acts of kindness, as one of their Golfers Who Give Back.
During Mickelson’s 25 years on tour, some of his acts of kindness were quite noticeable’ tipping extras to the locker room attendants, handing a ball to a kid, and signing a glove or ticking in a little cash.
He has also been instrumental in mentoring several young tour players such as Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson. Mickelson, speaking about Arnold, had said,
“I know how good Arnold made me feel that day at the Masters,”
“I was nervous and didn’t feel like I belonged, but he made sure I felt like part of the club – the way he put his arm around me, told me stories and invited me to join him for lunch.