Why we need the Mickelsons of the world Let’s be clear about something before we get started: I’m not here to bash Phil Mickelson. He doesn’t need me, a guy who knows little of the world of golf, critiquing him and giving him grief about his historical struggles in pressure situations. In fact, I like Lefty. He’s a good guy. Sunday just felt like destiny for him to finally exercise the demons of the U.S. Open once and for all. It was Father’s Day, Mickelson’s birthday and the memory of fives letdowns before Sunday. No one had to remind Mickelson what a win would mean for his legacy. And once again, he and his fans were left with a sick feeling, a feeling they knew was inevitable in getting their hopes up. People who like Mickelson, and guys similar to him, know to hold back just a little when they get near a big win. It’s the same reason why Minnesota Viking and Buffalo Bill fans don’t get too excited if their teams inch closer to the Super Bowl: they can’t ignore their history. Mickelson put it pointedly after falling to second, saying it was “heartbreaking” since this may have been his best shot at bringing home the third piece to the four majors he needs for a career grand slam. And the beautiful thing is Mickelson makes the game great, even in defeat. The jubilation the Mickelson faithful showed after he captured his first major at the 2004 Masters was well worth the pain and suffering he went through during the early part of his career. It’s as if Led Zeppelin wrote a hit song specifically for him: “Good times, bad times, you know I’ve had my share ...” We would have seen that same pandemonium if Lefty had held on this past weekend. It’s the same fervor we’ll see if a professional sports team in Buffalo or Cleveland ever brings home a championship, or if the Cubs capture the World Series. Announcers love to say things like, “In sports, there are always winners and always losers.” Aside from stating the obvious, it’s very true, and Mickelson just happens to be the guy that’s been on the losing side of the equation all too often. It wouldn’t be fair to compare Mickelson to guys like Dan Marino, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone, men who fell short of their ultimate goal in their career despite dominating in nearly every facet. Mickelson has claimed four Major victories (three at the Masters) and is ninth all-time in PGA tour wins with 41. To say that his career has been a waste would be a fallacy of the gravest proportions. However, Mickelson belongs to another group of players, legends who just didn’t quite pan out the way everyone hoped. Did you ever notice the NBA logo, a guy going through the purest of shooting motions? It’s actually famed Laker guard Jerry West, who is still considered one of the greatest of all time. He only won one championship in 1972, however, and he played terribly in that final. His counterpart, Wilt Chamberlain, only captured two titles during his illustrious career. Granted, Chamberlain once led the league in scoring, rebounds and assists in the same year and scored 100 points in a single game, so we can’t fault him too much. Alex Rodriguez is considered by some to be a completely different player when October arrives and he’s supposed to be hitting homeruns, instead of striking out in crucial moments. The funny thing is, Mickelson might be joined by a brand new superstar in this club of almost legends: LeBron James. Think about it. James has only one title (in a lockout shortened season), has had multiple moments in playoff games where he’s flamed out for whatever reason and could end up losing two championships in three years. Now I think LeBron still has plenty of time to cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time, but we demand results (and championships) out of the great ones. Mickelson is a reminder that sometimes things don’t pan out the way you want, but if he ever does sink that final putt on the 18th hole at the British or U.S. Open, you can bet the farm he and his fans will soak it up for everything it’s worth.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 13:37:28 +0000
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