Insanity at Winged Foot

Colin Montgomeries' failure to win the U.S. Open is more demoralizing--to him--because he won't have as many chances again as Phil and it was damn amazing he had this one. This is the first time I've messed up, he said about his weak 7 iron to the 18th green and all the other majors he's lost, when outstanding play simply bested his own steady efforts. This is the first time I've messed up, which is okay. You're entitlted to a couple of mess-ups along the way. Right you are, Monty, and I'll be pulling for you again.

Phil Mickelson on the other hand never spoke truer words: I'm such an idiot. Yes, you are. Unlike past thrilling adventures, however, this time you know it and told the world you know it, which means you'll be fine. I think.

The Washington Post's Thomas Boswell puts it well today:

Finally, by the 18th hole, Mickelson had completely lost his golf senses. He hit four of the most poorly judged, badly executed and disastrous shots that any great player has ever inflicted on himself one right after the other.

Boswell believes Phil succumed to some kind of golf insanity because of the enthusiastic crowds cheering him on. No matter the reason, there was a return to the crazy Phil of yesteryear--not only the cut he tried on the 18th from the hardpan--and Boswell has this exactly right, it was a "Tin Cup" moment--but a freakin' 4 wood 140 yards from the 15th green out of deep fluffy rough. No. Try something with a higher percentage, like a comprehensive Middle East peace treaty.

Phil has two majors and tens of millions of dollars that you don't, so don't cry too hard. If you're not sitting right in front of the Mickelsons, laugh.