Tiger out for rest of 2008 - what does that mean for Phil?
Various | 
Written by BigRed
As we learned yesterday, world number one Tiger Woods will be out for the remainder of the 2008 season to undergo reconstructive surgery on his left knee.
Despite winning his 3rd US Open and 14th major tournament in a 19-hole play-off against Rocco Mediate just a few days ago, Tiger obviously was in pain as we saw him using his golf club as a cane several times.
What does this mean for Phil Mickelson? With Tiger unable to tee it up in 2008 Phil will be favourite in every tournament he plays in for at least the rest of this season. Looking at Tiger’s incredible winning percentage (5 out of 7 this year), there will be quite a few tournaments looking for a new champion. Will Phil be able to take advantage and add to his record of 34 PGA Tour titles? Especially with respect to the upcoming British Open at Royal Birkdale in July I am very optimistic. This is probably the best chance ever for Phil to finally get his hands on the Claret Jug.
Last but not least: The Ryder Cup. Without Tiger Woods the US team will be looking to Phil Mickelson for leadership and scoring. Given his anything but perfect history in this event: Will he be able to deliver? I think that the loss of Tiger Woods will - as strange as it may sound at first - make the US team a lot stronger. In the past everybody did solely rely on Tiger to make something happen and there usually wasn’t a good team chemistry. Without Tiger this will definitely change and the US will blend together like the Europeans have already done for decades. Add that to the obvious talent of the American golfers (Mickelson, Cink, Furyk etc.) and they will be hard to beat.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on this question through the comment function.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:41 am
Tiger is an overrated Sucker
Phil is the best. HE is the GREAT ONE of Golf
Let’s Go Phil
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
The difference between Tiger and Phil’s game is putting–plain and simple. Both are great at recoverery–short game, etc., but Tiger makes the ‘must make ” putts. Phil doesn’t, and sometimes misses what should be gimmees for him. If Phil brings his putting up to Tiger’s level, it’s ‘game on” when they meet head to head. I’d love to see it.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
HARD WORK!!!
July 4th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Paul Morin, blithering idiot.
July 6th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Phil is amazing there yet there be no doubt. Does he need to pull the American team together - answer no - but can he - of course, he has that American pride ( so does Tiger by the way). Phil is the man, who else hits there 4 Wood 300 yards and has that ability to win time and again.
July 7th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Paul Morin,
What an idiotic, childish comment! To be a true fan of anyone, Phil included, you have to be able to acknowledge their competitors. How can you possibly say that Tiger Woods has not earned the title of the Worlds Number One golfer. Please reply!! I would really like to understand your thinking.
July 11th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Phil is one of the greatest golfers of all time - no doubt. Tigar being out gives Phil an opportunity for more wins…..He has to sieze the moment with better course management, club selection and putting……guest I could say that about any one on the tour, but Phil is much closer to the effort………..
July 25th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Phil is absolutely great for golf and a great person. I’m a big Phil fan and just love to watch him play. He interacts with the crowd and “smiles” (maybe you could give that a try Tiger). He just looks like he enjoys playing the game. I hope to meet him at the Barclay’s this year. Tiger is a great golfer no doubt but with the personality of a door knob.
Good Luck and GO PHIL!
August 12th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Phil’s inability to finish strong at the Tigerless PGA suggest to me that his time has past. With Tiger coming back, and a host of talented young golfers on the rise, I will be surprised if Phil wins another Major.
January 29th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I believe Phil has a number of years left. Don’t let age fool you. I am now 54 and am playing my best golf ever. I started at 38 years old, had no lessons and was quite supprised if I broke 100. I have now taken the game seriously (taking lessons) and and now play in the 70’s with one 68 last year. I look to do even better this year. Does this make me a pro? No, but it does prove that one can play golf no matter the age.