75% of the people who love mickelson love him because they can relate to him. He's overweight, dresses bad and plays golf. The other 25% just don't like Tiger for one reason or another. Mickelson is the anti-Tiger. They have absolutely nothing in common.
What Phil did Sunday is why he will never be on the same level as Tiger. He lacks Tiger's mental strength and will power, the will power not to eat donuts every morning.
FYI... http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/alan.katz/2006/02/06/why_players_on_the_pga_tour_call_phil_mi Why players on the PGA Tour call Phil Mickelson "FIGJAM" Monday February 6, 2006 | 05:57:32 According to the February GQ article naming Phil Mickelson one of the most hated guys in sports, the other players on the PGA Tour call him "FIGJAM," which stands for "F[RIC]k I'm great, just ask me." Why do they call him FIGJAM? Just go to Phil's official website www.philmickelson.com which contains Phil's letters to his fans and a description of what a truly warm, caring, cuddly, charitable, big-lug-you-love-to-hug Phil really is. Excerpt: "What separates Mickelson from his peers is there truly is more to this young man than his smooth swing, silky putting stroke, booming drives off the tee and creativity around the greens. He represents a link to the past, a link to the greats who have made the game what it is today. Jones. Hagen. Sarazen. Nelson. Hogan. Snead. Palmer. Nicklaus. Watson." Conclusion: Unlike his peers, Phil is more than just a golfer. He's larger than life, a symbol, an extension of golf's lineage, a link to the great players of the past. Excerpt: "There are many players who have come along since Watson that have displayed tremendous skill and accomplishment on the course, adding their names to the record books. Of these, few, if any, have matched the off-course respect from his peers and business community and personal respect for the game more than Phil Mickelson." Conclusion: The key phrases here are "few, if any" and "off-course." Not only do his fellow PGA Tour players respect him as an opponent, but they respect him even more as a human being. Excerpt: "Phil Mickelson understands. He has made it his mission to carry on the legacy set forth by the landmark players before him. Times have changed and golf has become more popular than ever. But to Phil, as with every true competitor and champion, winning is the ultimate measuring stick. But winning with class, humility, integrity and a true respect for one's place in history is what moves one from greatness to legendary." Conclusion: Phil isn't merely one of golf's greatest players; he's also one of the most humble. We know that because he respects his own place in history and he won't be satisfied until he's a legend. Excerpt: "Mickelson has grown from the All-American boy into a well-rounded role model and family man. The birth of his daughter, Amanda Brynn, the day after his runner-up finish at the 1999 U.S. Open has brought new perspective to Mickelson's life. While winning continues to be the priority on the course and a hunger still remains for making his imprint on golf history, being a great father to his three children (Amanda, Sophia and Evan) continues to deliver the most satisfaction." Conclusion: Readers, draw your own.
Other than the fact that tiger is black I think most fans would relate to him more because phil is one of the guys raised in the country club. but that's me. other than that I think phil has proved at least one thing in his previous two wins and even being the "should be" winner sun. you don't have to be in phenomenol shape to compete with tiger. the fact that tiger is probably the best athlete and the best golfer really is more of a coincidence than a cause and effect.
