Editors' Blog Blogger Bio
There's more than one Amy with Phil Mickelson
You know the saying: "Behind every great man there is a great woman."
Well, behind every great golfer there is a great team, and the players take the time to recognize that whenever they win a tournament. This weekend, I watched as Phil Mickelson beat out most of the top golfers of the world (glaring exception noted) and proceeded to thank his troops as he claimed his prize on the 18th green at Riviera.
After all, being number 2 in the world doesn't mean you always win when number 1 isn't around. But it all came together for Phil at the Northern Trust Open.
Of course there are his coaches, trainers, "Bones" and family to thank, but at this tournament, he threw in a little someone extra. Oh, just a little Hall of Fame golfer who walked the course with him on Wednesday and gave him pointers, with particular regards to the greens. So with the same breath he used to thank his beautiful wife, Amy, he thanked his secret weapon, Amy Alcott.
Phil thanks the two Amys.
Amy Alcott knows Rivera Country Club well. It has been her home course since the age of 13. And with her history of professional wins (32 -- same as Phil) including five majors (Phil has time to catch up), along with her reputation for creative shot making (just like Phil), she definitely has the credentials to counsel an already great golfer. That he ultimately won is a testament to her skills and knowledge. Having so much in common with each other must make for a pretty smooth relationship, which can't hurt either.
I can only hope that in her upcoming book, set to come out this spring (Spiked Shoes: Golf Lessons, Life Lessons) she will share some tidbits to help the rest of us.
Meanwhile, she's got some articles out there (linked from her official site) with great tips like this GFW piece on chipping.
Congratulations to Phil Mickelson. It was great to see him win. I get teased for being a Phil fan, but I can't help it. I'm a sucker for a great smile.
Check it out - I think Amy's looking at me like she knows I could've been a contender.
Tiger is great but at times he seems like a robot on autopilot. Phil, on the other hand, seems to be a happy-go-lucky guy. He's the people's champion!