Phil Mickelson Revives His Game In Houston

Phil Mickelson has been linked to Tiger Woods for pretty much his entire career, so of course it would make sense for that to continue on Friday. After an opening round 66 at the Shell Houston Open on Thursday, he continued his hot play with a 67 in round two and is currently one shot off the lead. Having barely been competitive over the past year and a half, Phil’s game peaking just a few days before The Masters should be the number one story. Then Tiger came a long and said he’ll be making his return to the game at Augusta, and he once again stole the show.

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Like Tiger, Phil has been an after thought for a while when it comes to on the course results. Other than his runner up finish at the PGA and his spats with Tom Watson at the Ryder Cup, 2014 was an invisible year for him. As he moves closer to the twilight of his career his time to win more majors is running out. This year had to be a big one for Lefty, but up until this week it’s been nothing to brag about. He played well on the weekend at the Humana but still finished outside the top 20. Then he challenged at the Honda but faded in the final round to a 17^th place finish. Houston is his final chance to get his game in shape before and Augusta and so far he’s making the most of it.

Through two rounds Phil has looked like the guy we saw prior to 2014. On Friday his seven birdies and two bogeys electrified the crowd and gave us a preview to the roars he could cause around Amen Corner next week. The same guy whose been fighting his swing and struggling with the putter through out the year was laser sharp today, and rolled the ball beautifully on the greens. He keeps this up he could be tough to beat, this week and next.

Coming into this week I had no idea what to expect from Phil. He could have missed the cut or played as well as he has so far, and both wouldn’t have surprised me. That’s the “Phil The Thrill” that we all know. Some guys play on momentum like Jordan Spieth, who just seems like he will hang around the front pages of leaderboards every week. That’s not been Phil, and it’s never going to be Phil. There’s no rhyme or reason to his game, but when he does find it he can still be one of the best players on the planet.

Him winning next week has nothing to do with how this tournament ends. He could easily continue his strong play and pick up his first victory in what feels like forever. Or he could fade over the weekend to another middle of the pack finish, and that won’t matter. Phil’s game can peak at any moment, especially at Augusta. In 2010 prior to winning his third Green Jacket he finished in a tie for 35^th in Houston the week prior. When it comes to Phil there’s just always a chance.

Credit PGATour.com For The Stats

Next: From Houston To Augusta

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