Phil Mickelson continues to struggle in 2010
After Friday's round at Bay Hill, it looked like Phil Mickelson might finally get off the snide this season. Remember, this was his year with Tiger Woods out, and heading into 2010, people really thought we might once again get a dominant Lefty.
It hasn't happened, and after Saturday's 3-over 75, the Arnold Palmer Invitational will be just another tournament this season that Phil will leave disappointed.
What happened between 2009 and 2010 to make Phil struggle? Mickelson put a premium on hitting fairways, but that hasn't been the case. This week alone he is 68th in driving accuracy and is 191st on the PGA Tour in '10. He also changed his putting stroke, but it hasn't helped much. Mickelson is ranked 90th in putting average this year compared to 35th a season ago.
While it was reported that Phil shot a 58 earlier this week at a course in California, the success isn't translated in tournaments, and with Augusta just around the corner, it is fair to say that Phil is far from one of the favorites.
Some advice for Phil heading into the next two weeks -- go back to basics. No more fiddling with all your specs, just go out and play golf like you used to play it and have some fun with it.
The year has been a huge disappointment so far, but four good rounds at the Masters could easily change that.
