It's another year where golf fans around the world are hoping to see a Tiger-Phil on the back nine on Sunday.
I think it's a possibility, if Mickelson can get his putting squared away. During his meeting with us today, Mickelson said he wasn't too concerned about his struggles with rolling the rock in the last few tournaments.
While I admit to being a Tiger guy more than a Phil guy, of the two, Mickelson definitely tends to give us more to work with during his press conferences.
While Tiger is more relaxed than he used to be with the media, he still doesn't say much. It's always fun on the rare moments when he lets more of his personality shine through.
Phil on the other hand does a pretty good job of giving us material to work with. I realize it's not their job to help us come up with story angles, but giving more thought provoking answers to our questions really helps.
While Mickelson usually has a smile on his face, it seems to be a little wider here. He truly loves this tournament and this venue (perhaps that's why he's done so well here in the past).
He and AP golf writer Doug Ferguson had an interesting back and forth exchange today. Ferguson, a Thousand Oaks High graduate, prefaced his final question to Phil by saying, "If you're here for the weekend...."
Phil's told Doug he was glad he was getting back at him in the interview room, rather than in print. It showed how good Mickelson can be with the press when he wants to be.
As for a Phil-Tiger weekend showdown, I think it's pretty possible. I think Phil is one of the few guys who is not afraid of Tiger, especially here.
I look forward to seeing how it unfolds