GolfDiggs

I’m back…So is Phil!

Posted on 05. Aug, 2009 by H. Freeman in Leaderboard

After taking a brief leave of absence from the blogging world, I’m back and ready to get after it once again. Just being honest, life has gotten in the way a bit lately, but here I am once again, ready to rock your golfing worlds. Not only am I making a much anticipated comeback this week (I know you’ve been waiting), but Phil Mickelson is as well at this week’s World Golf Championship – Bridgestone Invitational.

It has been a brutal summer for the Mickelson family, as both his wife and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer. While they have kept the details of the Mickelson ladies’ progress private, Phil entering the field this week is a sure tail sign that things are on the upswing (that is not a golf term so don’t assume I’m trying to be clever).

Many people think that it will take Phil a couple of weeks to get his rhythm back after such a lengthy layoff, but I couldn’t disagree more. Let’s face it, he is the second most talented player of this generation, and it’s only going to take one pure shot for him to feel like he never took a break. To take it even further, Phil thinks so much when he is on the golf course that it often times gets in the way of good play. Taking a break like he has can clear the mind so that he only sees two things: ball and target.

When a talent like Philly Mick is playing with simple, precise thoughts like that, the sky is the limit. I’m not guaranteeing that he will be holding the trophy on Sunday evening, but I am saying that this break will do more good than bad for his game. Add that to the motivation he has from what he has been going through off the course and it sounds to me like a recipe for success. I’ve said before that I’m not necessarily one of Phil’s biggest fans, but here is to him having a great comeback week! Good luck Lefty!

It’s also worth noting that while people were writing Tiger’s year off last Thursday after a sluggish start to the Buick, he came back Friday with a 63, never looking back on his way to the winner’s circle. Look for him to keep the positive mojo going this week as he prepares for the PGA Championship next week.

Last but not least, twittering phenom and British Open Champion, Stewart Cink, will be making his first start since hoisting the claret jug a couple weeks ago. He seems comfortable and confident, and when a professional can say that about themselves, birdies will follow. So this week at the Bridgestone, keep an eye on Phil, Tiger, and Stewy. Shouldn’t be too hard, the cameras will be all over them as well. It’s good to be back!