azgreg
There was a time when Mickelson enjoyed so much respect and admiration from the fans. They wanted to see him beat Tiger in the worst of ways, and he was really the only player who had the game to beat him. Except he just didn’t have the mind to beat Tiger.
And to some extent, that made his fans appreciate him even more. That, and what happened at Winged Foot back in 2006(?).
And all of this, despite the “rumors” from some nameless players who would tell the reporters off the record that Phil was fake, that he’s not really this humble, happy-go-lucky golfer he portrays inside the ropes… that this was all for show, and deep down he was one of the most jealous, selfish players on tour with a serious gambling addiction that was as large as his ego.
And people (like me) thought that those players were just jealous and bitter to make those wild accusations. And when the spat between Stevie (Tiger’s caddie) and Phil happened, and when Phil seemed to take the higher road in saying, “the only thing I can say is that I’m so thankful to have Bones as my caddie because he’s such a great person…” We were like, “See - this is proof he’s not a douche like everyone says.”
But then things started coming to light. His insider-trading problem. His falling out with Bones after 25 years… the disrespect he showed to the game when he stopped his ball from rolling off the green in the US Open. And the controversial comments and opinions. And then so readily turning his back on the organization that gave him the biggest stage to become one of the greatest players in the game, just so he could turn around and poke them in the eye after the sun was clearly setting on his career.
I don’t think he’s a horrible person. But I think his peers were more right than wrong about him not being this friendly, humble player.
He seems pretty bitter.
