Mickelson Takes AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

On the PGA Tour the last three weeks, guys who entered the final round a pretty good distance off the lead all came back to win on Sunday.  It started with Snedeker, then came Kyle Stanley a week after his monumental collapse that let Snedeker win.  On Sunday at iconic Pebble Beach, it was Phil Mickelson who stormed back to overtake Charlie Wi on Sunday as he fired a final round 64 to win the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.  Phil was paired with Tiger on Sunday, who faded badly and shot an ugly 75 to finish 9 shots off the pace set by Mickelson.

Let's first start with Mickelson.  Give the man credit for what he did.  I am not a supporter of him as a golfer as most of you know, but he played pretty brilliantly today.  The pins were in difficult spots, especially on the back, but he found a way to hit some pretty great shots and he putted exceptionally.  It is weird how he is so streaky at times.  In previous weeks, he didn't have control of his game, but then he just has the propensity to play out of his mind in an event like this.  Take for example two years ago at The Masters, where I didn't feel like he was in the limelight for his early season play, but he just comes out and plays a great week.  I feel like he is comfortable at courses like Pebble and Augusta, and I guess that's why he has the capacity to turn it on like this.  I still won't cheer him on, but I have to tip my cap to what he did on Sunday.

Let's talk about Tiger Woods.  Where to start with my frustration?  His putting was great on Saturday, but it seems to tense up so much on these Sundays of late.  I used to be able to go grab a drink or snack when he was standing over a three-footer because it was guaranteed going in, but now I legitimately am nervous when he stands over those.  It used to be a lock, but now he looks uncomfortable on the greens on Sunday afternoons.  After he missed the short putts, it shook his confidence as he made some crooked swings of the tee and with his irons.  It is so frustrating to watch because he looks great for three days and simply has faded on Sundays of late.  There is definitely time to cure things before The Masters, but he needs to play a good final round somewhere for me to feel confident.

I thought Charlie Wi played great Sunday after his slow start.  Four-putting his first hole for double bogey was a rough way to start, but he hung in there and hit some great shots after that.  He only lost to Phil by two strokes and has to be kicking himself for that four-putt.  I will say that I don't believe he blew the tournament like the guys in past weeks have done.  Mickelson won the tournament.

We will head to the Northern Trust Open next at Riviera Country Club.