Mickelson is back -- and in better shape

By Jared Trexler

I boycotted Hawaii.

Why should the game's best players commence on a tropical paradise for the winner's-only, millions-guaranteed Stuart Appleby Invitational and Video Monopoly Open while we race to the nearest Muni track when the temperature reaches Susanne Summers' age.

So, for The Phanatic, the PGA Tour season kicks off this week at the first of two prominent West Coast celebrity outings, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, hosted by George Lopez. The comedian is filling the shoes of longtime host and avid golfer Bob Hope, who passed away on July 27, 2003.

"I love Chrysler, and I love the tournament. I've been playing in it for three years, and it's been a highlight for me every year. The people are great. The city is great. I can't wait to get back out there as the new host of the tournament. I've got to thank these guys; the board of directors of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic has been fantastic to me from the beginning. It's very exciting where I think we can take this," said Lopez.

I'd like to thank Dolores Hope, first and foremost, for anointing me the duty of following in her legendary husband's footsteps. It's something that I will always cherish and treat with the respect that it deserves. "

Like us, Phil Mickelson will be making his psycho-analyzed 2007 debut. A new Phil Mickelson, fresh off an "off-season" with Amy and the kids, time spent on the range and in the fitness room.
Mickelson is slimmer, and picked up martial arts as a way to improve his flexibility and endurance.

He attributed poor endurance as the major reason behind his fade down the stretch -- not to be confused with his block fade on the 72nd hole of last year's United States Open -- including disappointing efforts at "Glory's Last Shot" and the Ryder Cup.

The motivation for Lefty will certainly be there. He is no longer the Best Player in the World not named Eldrick -- that distinction falls to Pennsylvania native Jim Furyk. He is no longer widely considered the player most likely to challenge Woods' dominance -- in many circles, including this guy's, that title falls squarely on the shoulders of young Australian Adam Scott.

In fact, Mickelson doesn't even join the aforementioned three on the cover of the Tour's media guide.

The fact of omission points squarely at Mickelson's lackluster performance following the Trash Can debacle at Winged Foot and his infrequent tournament appearances once the leaves changed to Fall.

That could change this year with Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem's new baby -- the FedEx Cup -- and Mickelson has made it widely known early this week that he plans to play in six of the seven events.

Music to Finchem's ears.

Mickelson begins the five-round birdiefest in the heart of California's mountainous rich district with just one simple goal in mind.

Begin to peak for Augusta, where he will defend his green jacket this April.

Matter-of-factly, Mickelson should have no problem starting fast -- because he never has. A two-time winner of the Hope, Mickelson has won his season opener five times and is 141-under par in his first event during the last decade.

Mickelson's major weakness -- his play off the tee -- won't hurt him severely at any of the four courses, yet he maintains he learned his lesson from Winged Foot's 72nd hole and improved his accuracy with the long clubs.

"You know, I really believe that the past former presidents of the USGA that passed away were looking down and said no one should win the Open hitting two of 14 fairways," he said. "That certainly came back to bite me and I have got to address that need."

You see, every golf fan remembers the last image. But, what about Mickelson's other 11 drives that found thigh-high rough on that championship Sunday?

You can only live a mirage so long at the United States Open. Sooner or later, you die of thirst.

Yet, that event is a distant memory in Mickelson's mind. His juices are flowing as he enters a new year with a new mental and physical approach to the game.

Despite the added muscle and improved long game, the wide-eyed, always-smiling Mickelson still has the same youthful exuberance that has made him a gallery favorite.

"I just can't wait to get started."

Neither can we.

**Information obtained from the Tournament's official web home and PGATour.com***

Jared Trexler is The Phanatic's Golf Writer. Later today, he tackles five burning questions for the Tour season, and selects a winner at the Hope. He can be found firing darts at Green Pond Country Club, or reached at jtt128@comcast.net


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The Phanatic