Phil Mickelson can become No. 1 in the World

Phil Mickelson can dethrone Tiger Woods as the number one golfer in the world this weekend at the Players Championship.  The only catch is that Tiger Woods has to essentially be out of contention, come in sixth place or worse. 

I really hope Tiger Woods pulls through this weekend and plays some remarkable golf, but I am only hoping.  Everything about Tiger Woods seems to be up in the air these days, including his confidence and ability to play.  I am not really discouraged about his ability after Quail Hollow, because his ability speaks for itself.  It does speak about his confidence.  He obviously has a lot going on and it's obvious it's affecting his game.  Depressing.

Tiger Woods first round at Quail Hollow

Tiger woods ended the first day at Quail Hollow with a 74, +2 above par.  He put shots in the water off the 17th and 18th hold, causing him to double bogey off the 17th.  Tiger woods did improve towards the end of his day, so hopefully this is some kind of sign that he will be in contention towards the end of the tournament.  If it isn't obvious already, I am a huge Tiger Woods fan.  He is the reason I started golfing.
This tournament is a rather big deal, because Phil Mickelson is looking to dethrone Tiger Woods as the number one golfer in the world.  I am personally not a fan of Phil Mickelson, so I genuinely hope Tiger Woods pulls it together and does something big tomorrow.
Tiger Woods is 9 back from the number one Bo Van Pelt, who is at -7 for the day.  Tiger Woods will have to play some serious Tiger golf in order to come back and be in contention.

The early days of my golf game, and Golf this week.

As I have said in my profile, I started playing golf about three years ago with a 30 + handicap.  Today, I am shooting around 15.  I have never taken any formal lessons, I have basically been observing the greats and mimicking their strokes.  I also watch tutorial videos on youtube.  I have played sports for a good portion of my life, just not golf.  I have played tennis for about 18 years.  I ran track and swam in high school as well.  I have to say, however, that playing golf has been one of the more challenging feats I have taken on in my life.  I hated playing at first, but for some reason I stuck with it; and I am glad that I did.
Golf is a game of finesse.  The more I realized that the more my game improved.  When I first started out, I was swinging uncontrollably, focusing on the basics I learned on youtube and swinging with all my might.  Needless to say I broke a couple clubs doing this.  As soon as I slowed my swing and focused on the fundamentals of golf, I was able to stay calm and my game improved dramatically.  For golfers that are first starting out, remember that distance is not important.  The important part is keeping a cool head while focusing on fundamentals.  Distance will come as your swing improves.
I hate to be preachy with these posts, I just thought I would mention something important.  A few things that are happening this week in golf.  Tiger Woods is back in his second tournament of the year this week at the Quail Hollow golf tournament.  A transcript of his interview conducted today can be found here.  Along with Phil Mickelson and Sean O'Hare.
I will also be playing 18 holes this weekend at Indiana University golf Course.  I will be blogging live about my progress this weekend.  I will also blog the Quail Hollow tournament beginning on Thursday.

Cheers.