The Loop

Will Wilson look this morning?

February 07, 2011

Just as Christina Aguilera should have looked at the lyrics of the National Anthem on a cheat sheet at yesterday's Super Bowl, you might think that Mark Wilson will be examining the leader board this morning. He leads by two strokes at the Waste Management Phoenix Open with five holes to play.

Will he study who's behind him and think about what he needs to do to on the back nine, now that the tournament is his to win or lose? Will he play it safe on 17? Will he fire at any pins? Will he just try to two-putt?

Actually, I don't think he'll change anything. It's just not the way he plays. He's a short and straight hitter who has found a way to topple the big bombers on a course they should dominate. How does he do it? By paying attention only to his own game and forgetting about everyone else. This strategy, as taught to him by his mental coach, Dr. Bob Rotella, served him well at the Sony Open earlier this year, which I wrote about following his victory in Hawaii.

Let's see if it works this morning, when play resumes at 11 am Eastern Time. And remember to follow me on Twitter: @rogerschiffman.

*Roger Schiffman

Managing Editor

Golf Digest