Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson's near-miss in the Open left some fans searching for a reason why the popular one can't win the People's Open.

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Dear Editor,>

I don't mean to be critical of Phil, but I really beleive he puts to much more emphasis on pleasing the fans than he does about his game. I am a diehard Mickelson fan, but I don't believe he locks himself in at certain times in tough situations. It amazes me how such a great player can play so poorly at times. Not only the Open, but look what he did at the St.Jude Classic. If he would have only parred the 18th every day he would have been 6 shots better.

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Jack Gordy

Fayetteville, NC

Interesting analysis, Jack. There is no doubt that Phil feels an obligation to please the fans, like Arnie in that respect. And like Arnie, he also feeds off the fans' adulation. Can you remove one and keep the other? Not sure...

--Bob Carney