Phil Mickelson Wins The Masters
- Author: Min-Q Kim
- Posted on: Monday April 12, 2010 at 5:00 PM
- Filed under: sports, golf, phil mickelson, lefty, amy mickelson, the masters, jim mackay, exclusive
Phil Mickelson pulled away from the field late Sunday at the Masters to win his third green jacket since winning his first major here in 2004. The one they call "Lefty" (for his left-handed golf swing -- he does everything else right-handed) played inspired golf, and gave the world a sports moment for the ages. Last May, his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer, prompting Mickelson to suspend his golfing schedule to be with his family. Then, two months later, cruel fate struck again: this time, his mother was diagnosed with the same affliction.
One can only hope that a day like Sunday might provide a modicum of comfort for Mickelson and his family, as they navigate such a trying time. “She’s an incredible woman, she’s an incredible mother and she’s an inspiration to me this last year,” he said.
Amy hadn't made it out to the course all week, often too weak from recovery to get out of bed. Yet, when Phil raised his arms in victory, sure enough, there she was. “To have her here and share this moment and share the joy of winning on 18, and to share this with my kids, is something that we’ll look back on the rest of our lives.”
Phil Mickelson with wife Amy, after winning the 2010 Masters. Dry eyes nowhere to be found.
A couple of highlights from this week: the backend of back-to-back eagles on 13 and 14 of his third round, second shot from the fairway.
As good as that shot was, this next one may have trumped it. It was the 13th hole on the final day, with his first shot landing behind two trees. It is a microcosm of Lefty's explosive game -- the gunslinger, awash in talent... Laying up was never an option, Mickelson would say later: “I mean, a great shot is when you pull it off,” he said. “A smart shot is when you don’t have the guts to try it.” The riverboat gambler, this time, came up aces.
"Wow" translates in any language.
Arms raised in celebration. Phil's too.
Mickelson hugs caddie and longtime friend Jim 'Bones' Mackay on the 18th green. “Bones has been through this thing with us the past year,” Mickelson said. “As good a friend as you can possibly imagine through this. He’s been there, he has been there in Houston in our surgeries and has been there as a support. You couldn’t have a better friend in the world.”
Lefty tees off.
All photos by Getty Images.
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“ Omg. The computer's doing that thing again, where it copies my post.. ”
“ Wow. That's mental focus, Phil Michelson. ”
