Arnie
Before the weekend, it was Arnold Palmer's Masters. The ending seemed like a tribute to the once - and future - King.
Phil Mickelson is often compared to Palmer. His rapport with the fans and his aggressive playing style draw natural parallels to the four-time Masters champion who stole the hearts of golf fans for 50 years.
Two days after Palmer smiled and waved goodbye in an emotional farewell to the Masters, Mickelson joined the green jacket club with a roaring finish, a smile plastered on his face and legions of fans on his side.
"That comparison is very flattering to Phil," Amy Mickelson said of the Arnie connection. "And the fact that he won his first major when Arnie was leaving, it meant a lot to him. It was a very special time for him to embrace the moment and finally break through.
"What was fun about the way Phil won was that it was kind of an Arnie charge - coming down the stretch and making birdies. If I were to guess, from what Arnold has talked about Phil, I think he's very proud of the way he finally got it done."
Palmer certainly admired Mickelson's winning style.
"I was very impressed with Phil and his performance in the Masters last year," Palmer said. "I think he won the tournament, and that's what it was all about. That was the way I like to feel like I was playing when I was playing very well there. There was no backing in. It was an up-front, aggressive approach.
"I get the feeling that that's what they really like at Augusta, the fans and the people watching. They like to see that approach, and they like to see it happen that way."
| See Phil Mickelson From All Sides | |
| The happiest player ever to win a major | |
| His colleagues | His family |
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| His journey | His moment |
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