Is Phil Mickelson prime for a bounce-back after his U.S. Open meltdown?
Of course. His game is too good to vanish away. Remember, he was 0-for-forever in majors, including some agonizing near-misses, before capturing the ’04 Masters. Yes, Mick’s U.S. Open free fall was excruciating to watch, and his Sports Illustrated cover was eerily reminiscent of Greg Norman’s exasperated bow after blowing the ’96 Masters. It won’t be easy to right the U.S.S. Phil in the short term, but figure on Mick’s archeological studies to resume in preparation for the British Open in July. Mickelson’s thoughts now center solely on the majors, and there’s talk he may travel to Royal Liverpool Golf Club soon to scout the layout. He and Team Mickelson (caddie Jim Mackay, Rick Smith and Dave Pelz) will dissect every mound and break. After Mickelson’s successful prudent play in the preceding PGA Championship and Masters, it’s hard to believe he’d make the same alarming mistake again if a similar opportunity arises. Harsh lessons are the best reminder, and you have to believe they’ll se
