Phil and Phrankenwood Fail at the Masters.

Phil Mickelson / Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports.

Phil and his much daunted new acquisition from Callaway, the driver hybrid christened Phrankenwood, failed miserably at the Masters. Phil finished tied 54th at Augusta National, the three-time Champion just not firing on all cylinders at all. All the hype surrounding the Phrankenwood driver substitute disappeared into the ether. Callaway must have been hoping for a good championship from Phil, and were probably gearing up for a big production run of Phrankenwood. Phil’s poor performance on the course has wrecked any chance of selling millions of the new driver hybrid.

Phil admitted he was very disappointed with his tournament, and blamed most of it on the schedule change which prevented him from his usual course, which was to play a tournament the week before the Masters. Obviously just knocking the ball around Augusta National with Condoleezza Rice was not good preparation for the Major ahead.

This is how Phil explained things;

” It’s disappointing for me because this is my favorite place to be. I expect a lot more out of my game. Today was the first time that swing coach Butch Harmon and I;  we had some good direction, and I’ll have something to work on these next two weeks before I play at Charlotte and The Players.  I had an off-year, played poorly, I don’t know what to tell you. I just wasn’t as mentally sharp as I needed to be. I need to find another way to prepare for big weeks if I can’t play the week before.”

I am still a big fan of Phil, and his golf, his wholesome lifestyle, and the way he conducts himself on and off the course. I trust that the golf side of things improves, soon.

 

 

Masters Warm Up, Phil and Condoleezza

  

Augusta National / photo from website

Phil Mickelson and Condoleezza Rice play a warm up round at Augusta National, in preparation for Phil’s challenge in the Masters.

Phil and Condoleezza  / Getty Images

Phil was full of praise for Condoleezza and her game, especially her prowess at putting, Phil spoke about the former U.S. Secretary of State;

“It was awesome. She’s one of my favorite people. She’s got the greatest personality and attitude, and she’s so much fun to be around. She’s so knowledgeable about world affairs. It’s just incredible. It’s a great experience. On the greens, she’s a phenomenal putter. As soon as I saw she was a member, I called her to work up a game, just like I did Arnold Palmer back in the days as an amateur. She’s just one of my favorite people to be around. She kept asking me about the course. And I kept asking her about countries. It was really fun. And she really can putt.”

Condoleezza was just as nice about Phil;

” He’s such a good friend, I’ve known him for years.” 

Condoleezza Rice in her Green Jacket / Getty Images

Augusta National Admits Women, The Times They Are A Changing

Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore made History by being accepted by Augusta National, the women to be welcomed as members.

The home of the Masters now has green jackets for women, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore have become the first female members since the Augusta National club was founded in 1932,  and current chairman Billy Payne said on Monday;

“This is a joyous occasion. These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well-known and respected by our membership. It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their green jackets, when the club opens this fall. This is a significant and positive time in our club’s history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family.”

Hootie Johnson, who retired as chairman in 2006, said Monday;

” This is wonderful news for Augusta National Golf Club and I could not be more pleased. Darla Moore is my good friend, and I know she and Condoleezza Rice will enjoy the Club as much as I have.”

Darla Moore said of her acceptance at the club;

” Augusta National has always captured my imagination, and is one of the most magically beautiful places anywhere in the world, as everyone gets to see during the Masters each April. I am fortunate to have many friends who are members at Augusta National, so to be asked to join them as a member represents a very happy and important occasion in my life. Above all, Augusta National and the Masters Tournaments have always stood for excellence, and that is what is so important to me.”

Condoleezzer Rice is looking forward to playing the course;

” I have visited Augusta National on several occasions and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity. I have long admired the important role Augusta National has played in the traditions and history of golf. I also have an immense respect for the Masters Tournament and its commitment to grow the game of golf, particularly with youth, here in the United States and throughout the world.”

Tiger Woods commented;

” I think the decision by the Augusta National membership is important to golf. The Club continues to demonstrate its commitment to impacting the game in positive ways. I would like to congratulate both new members, especially my friend Condi Rice.”

Jack Nicklaus, the six-time Masters champion and an Augusta member, offered his welcome to the two women;

” Everyone at Augusta National shares a similar passion for the game of golf, and I know they will be great additions to the club. “

Well done Augusta National, now that the female member debate has finally ended, lets all go play golf.