re: Feherty with Phil Michelson

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Phil is not liked on tour because of things he says when the cameras are not on him.

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Isn't that the way the world works? We all have opinions that we share in public, and other opinions that are said in private. In fact, Phil infamously bashed Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson and many criticized him for doing it publicly. So he's damned if you do, damned if you don't. I thought after the controversy he started with the Ryder Cup complaints, Phil knew the golfing world had all eyes on him at the next Ryder Cup after his outspoken criticisms, and guess what, Phil delivered!

Phil is not liked some of his peers because he is a little on the cocky side, and he has more golfing talent that 99% of golfers that have ever played the game. In all honesty, he has underachieved with what he could have accomplished. But to Phil's credit, he doesn't let that hold him back. He's still able to play amazing golf well past what should have been his prime.

I think a few others don't like Phil because his "aw shucks" public persona seems hokey and fake. Perhaps it is, but he has kept that same public persona for so many years now I think it has become who he is. Cheesy at times, sure, but how can you look down at the guy who made it his persona to be a crowd pleaser and ultra accessible to the fans, especially the kids?

That's what keeps me in his corner. For whatever reason, Phil has decided that he is going to do his best to take care of the fans, be there for the kids, and help the sport grow in popularity. It's well known that he will stay after rounds and sign autographs for every kid waiting for him.

I pull for him and get excited everytime he's got a chance to win a tournament, but we all know there's a good chance we get another "I'm such an idiot" moment. But the way Phil handles those moments with dignity earns him my respect.

I understand your point. I guess if you're a fellow tour player and you know the real Phil it puts a bad taste in your mouth to see him as a fake person when the cameras are on. just be who you are I guess. There's been many players who gain fans because of that despite being a dick at times.

Feherty is the fricking man.

I like Phil. It's just damn frustrating watching him hit the ball off the tee, but end up hitting some amazing shot to get the hole-out.

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In a way, yes. He also ran into a buzz saw named Tiger Woods

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True

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and 6 runner ups at the US Open (albeit most of those are his own fault).

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He's had his chances there, and I think Tiger was only at the top for 1 or 2 of those (I know one at Bethpage Black).

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and arguably is the most of the most unlucky golfers ever.

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I could see that as well. Payne Stewart's par save on 18 to beat Phil by 1, Stenson's ridiculous round at last year's British. Even smaller things like the all time low round in a major. Phil's putt on 18 just had to drop. I read an article about it stating that it was nearly impossible for that ball to break out of the hole. His putt was dead center and then wiggled out of the hole at the last moment.

I find all the cocky and arrogant comments about Phil pretty stupid considering today's golfers and other good or great sports athletes. They all have that trait.

Phil is a gambler and all his shot explanations are about the odds. He is always playing the odds. Why he has won and why he has lost in bad ways.

He has a big brother dry sarcastic humorous attitude and that will rub some people the wrong way big time. He will say something, not smile, but laugh inside, hoping to get under another's skin. Plus if you piss him off he will most definitely come back at you in a hard way.

He is a love or hate kinda of guy.

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That was a good episode. I loved Phil's explanation of how his shot from the pine needles at Augusta was the percentage play.

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Yea, that was very interesting.

Also, Phil's story about how after he won his 3rd green jacket he walked up to the driving range with green crocodile boots or golf shoes (can't remember the exact details) and said to Matt Kuchar that when you win 3 green jackets you get a pair of these shoes.

Matt Kuchar goes "man, I hope I only win two then"

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Very feast or famine

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And that right there is why people love to watch Phil play golf. He has that go-for-it mentality. It's the same reason people liked to watch Palmer. Phil understands that it's all about winning. Playing it safe will get you a lot of top ten finishes but not a lot of wins. Especially if Eldritch is in the field. To win, you have to go for some of those ridiculous shots...and you have to pull them off. When he doesn't, famine. But when he does it's something to see.

LINK

if you missed it, its on youtube already