2017 Masters: Phil Mickelson Ready to Contend, Defy Youth Movement on Weekend at Augusta

Phil Mickelson fighting to prove he’s still a major force, in contention at the Masters at age 46.

This year, Phil Mickelson added a new Masters logo to his wardrobe. It’s small, easy enough to miss at first glance.

But take a closer look, and you’ll immediately recognize the image: a jubilant – and much younger – Mickelson, leaping on the 18^th green at Augusta National after winning the Masters 13 years ago, his first major championship.

Fast forward to 2017, and add two more green jackets, a Wanamaker and a Claret Jug. At 46 years of age, Phil is as competitive as ever before, and in contention heading into the weekend. He’ll be the first to tell you that he wants this one as much as any before it.

In his typical style, Phil hasn’t been making things particularly easy on himself this week. Through 36 holes, he’s taken advantage of the par-5’s, playing those four holes in five-under par. Of course, that means he’s five over everywhere else, having made ten bogeys already.

It’s that gambling, aggressive style that has patrons roaring with every miraculous shot Lefty dreams up. I mean, have you ever seen a caddie tend a flagstick with their player 60 yards away, with water and bunkers surrounding the green?

That’s Phil. High risk for high rewards. Combine that with his incredible understanding of what he can do at Augusta, however, and you’ve always got the potential for a magical week.

Jack Nicklaus sees the similarities to his win in 1986, as well as Mickelson’s advantages.

Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest to ever play the game, won his sixth green jacket in 1986. He, too, was 46 years old, but the Golden Bear is on record with his belief in Phil’s abilities.

"“Phil is far better prepared than I (was). I don’t think he’s probably playing his best golf right now but sometimes that changes very quickly,” Nicklaus said earlier this week. “Honestly, age is not an issue to him. He’s a big guy and he’s a long guy and he’s got a great short game. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to find him in contention.”"

Unsurprisingly, Nicklaus is absolutely correct. Mickelson hasn’t been playing great recently, with just one top-25 in stroke play events over the last two months, a tie for seventh at the WGC Mexico event. However, what he always does well is control his short game, saving strokes around the green. And that is what has kept him in contention so far this week.

Simply put, Mickelson knows how and where to miss at Augusta. While he would be the first to tell you he gave back some silly strokes bogeying three of his last five on Friday, few players in this field are better prepared mentally for what lies ahead this weekend.

Mickelson’s mental edge could be the difference as weather improves this weekend.

The weather forecast is significantly better for the final two rounds at Augusta National, with highs back into the 70s and winds dying down to almost nonexistent levels. That will level the playing field, and we’re guaranteed to see an increase in the intensity on Saturday.

Mickelson acknowledged that he was tired down the stretch on Friday, noting that it showed in how he closed the round. He’ll get a bit of a break, and a boost, with a 2:10 PM tee time, paired with Ryder Cup teammate and practice round buddy Jordan Spieth.

Next: Five Who Disappointed

A 22-year-old who could have three green jackets, and a 46-year old who does. It won’t get any better than that. Don’t bet against Lefty still having something left in the tank.