TOP FIVE GOLF THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK:

By Jared Trexler

A new portion of The Phanatic's weekly lineup, I will take an in-depth look at the world of professional golf (the only sport where old men can play amongst the boys...and beat them).

1. Phil Mickelson has finally figured it out. Camp Mickelson dissects every blade of grass at every major championship venue -- pitching and chipping from every collection area and mentally playing a golf course before the championship begins. It really is a sight to see. Mickelson didn't overpower 7400-yard Augusta National to win his second Masters. He beat the beast with his brains. A man who looked a lot like Greg Norman down the stretch in so many majors through the years finally added the proper thought process to go along with every shot in the bag. I expect lefty to seriously contend in at least two more majors this season and take home one more piece of coveted hardware.

2. Speaking of Norman, it is good to see Greg back in the news. The Shark announced Merrill Lynch as the new title sponsor of his three-day, fun-in-the-sun event held every year in South Florida. Also, Norman announced thatFreddie Couples (he of the bad back and balky putter) will partake in this year's festivities. That wasn't even the headline name. Annika Sorenstam will play with the men at the Shootout this year and can bring her own partner. You heard it at The Phanatic first. She will pick Norman. Greg should have his game back in shape by then, as he plans to run the gauntlet of Champions Tour majors through the summer while also playing the British Open andInternational. That's six events in eight weeks. The Phanatic says the Shark is bound to reach the winner's circle in one of those starts.

3. Speaking of the winner's circle, congratulations to Aaron Baddeley. His game grew once he did. For the first time possibly, a marriage and maturation saved someone's golf game. Baddeley revamped his swing and is again near the top of the leaderboard early on in Houston.

4. Speaking of Houston, The Phanatic's thoughts and prayers are with Darren Clarke, who withdrew after an opening 68 to be with his sick wife. Heather Clarke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and it has since spread throughout her body. It again demonstrates the human nature of sports. Birdies and bogeys aren't on the Irishman's mind. Rightfully so.

5. I know I'm cheating slightly this week with the tournament already one round old. However, this was my pick from the event's first tee ball. I swear. I like Las Vegas' own Scott McCarron. Scotty is a great guy (I've met him several times) and this course is McCarron's cup of tea. The greens aren't complex and the course is long.

ENJOY THE WET WEEKEND IN THE NORTHEAST...And never leave a three-foot putt short.

-You can reach Jared Trexler at jtt128@comcast.net