Yesterday’s victory by Phil Mickelson at the Master’s was a feel good story for a lot of people. The now three time winner at Augusta celebrated with his wife Amy, who came to the course for the first time since she was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly a year ago. It was to say the least an emotional finish to a tournament that began with a circus like atmosphere thanks to Tiger Woods return to the game.
The win by the popular Mickelson was also a dramatic contrast to the storyline created by Woods. If you want draw the lines between good and evil on the course, right now you couldn’t do better than contrasting and comparing Phil the Thrill and Woods. Mickelson is everything Tiger isn’t. Comfortable with the media and the fans, a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve in a different way than Tiger. There aren’t the outbursts on the course when things go bad, but his emotions are read in his face and body language.
And then of course there’s the contrast off the course. Mickelson as the ultimate family man who talks about taking his children for ice cream after victories compared to Woods sexcapades splashed all over every tabloid.
Phil may have been wearing all black on the course on Sunday, but he clearly has taken on the mantel of the good guy wearing the white hat compared to Woods gunslinger in black image.
Golf may not have cared for the publicity that Woods last five months has brought them, but they are probably elated over the fact that Mickelson has upped the ante with Woods and the game has a new hero.... and a new villain to root for.
