Master-Phil

I have absolutely no idea how the world golf rankings are calculated. Sure, ESPN and whoever brings it up all the time, but scholars maintain that no one actually knows how it is that PGA golfers get ranked. For years, it has been Tiger Woods and then everyone else. But now, more than ever, that notion is not correct. The #1 ranking was Tiger's to lose. In his absence, he lost it. Phil Mickelson is the best player in the world right now, and his third green jacket at Augusta backs that up.

I tuned into the Masters each of the four days it was televised, and it was clear that Mickelson has an edge right now that Tiger, or anyone else, clearly does not have right now. Woods may have a skill set that is unmatched on the planet, but in a mental game like golf, your head needs to be square on your shoulders in order to succeed. 2009 was a rough year for the Mickelson family, with Phil's wife and mother both receiving treatment for breast cancer. With his wife Amy watching from the 18th green on Sunday, Phil stepped to the 18th tee with a two-stroke lead. After stroking a three-wood down the fairway and then landing the approach within ten feet. He could have three-putted and still walked away champion. He only needed one more stroke, sank the birdie, and earned one more fashionable blazer for his collection.

Much like how Tiger Woods played some of his best golf with Earl standing greenside, Phil had to have his wife on his mind as he stepped up to that final tee shot on Sunday. In a post-round interview, I've never seen Tiger so unsure of himself. He was clearly disappointed in his fourth place finish, but he pretty much played the best golf that he could this weekend. Even up-and-comers on the tour Lee Westwood and Anthony Kim played some of the best rounds of their life. But with Lefty motivated, driven, and playing at the high-level that he is right now, every major right now is Phil Mickelson's to lose.