Phil Mickelson had a tough year in 2008 earning a paltry $5.1 million (3rd on the PGA money list). Life is hard. His ranking dropped from second in the world to third in the world when Sergio Garcia recently overtook him. Phil is considering playing on the European Tour in 2009. He believes that golf in the U.S. has become stagnant, and there is more opportunity for growth in Europe. Many have accused him of threatening to move to Europe because he’ll make more money there. I’m sure that his sponsor would be pleased if he left America, as they hope to sell more Callaway golf clubs internationally.
Anyway, here’s Phil’s trick. I’ve never seen it before, and I think I’ll have to try to learn how to do it.
Phil is known for his short game and being left-handed. However, he isn’t actually left-handed. He learned how to play left handed as he would mirror his father’s golf swing. I actually think that those of us who swing right handed, would be better off with left handed golf clubs. A right handed golf swing is dominated by the left hand. The problem is that it’s far too late for most of us to switch now. I hope my kid (due in May ’09) will be born left handed so that he can use right handed clubs. I guess the only alternative for the rest of us is try to strengthen our left hands.
Phil’s favorite golf course is the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona. The 2008 Frys.com Open was held at this course, and Cameron Beckman won. It’s going to cost you a pretty penny to play the course, though. $190 per person is about the best rate they offer.
