[Wazmankg]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

The way Phil is playing now and has played since last winning a major is "slightly above average". So where's the argument? This year, Phil's won two tournaments. So has Anthony Kim and Kenny Perry has three. As far as overall impact on tournaments in general - especially when it comes to majors - Phil's name hardly has anyone shaking in their spikes. And I wrote: "...but just as they all fell by the wayside, so has Phil fallen to the depths of mediocrity himself."

What? That's not true?

All of the above except for the "shaking in their spikes" crack. Nobody does that except Tiger. Kim and Perry are having career years. Maybe this will be the first of many for Kim, but these slightly above average guys are #2 and #5 on the ML. Phil's #3. So by your standard what are the guys outside the to 10 ? Hacks ? Phil's won 5 tournaments since his last major win(the '06 Masters). I don't know who aside from Tiger can match or better that, but it's a very short list.

Originally Posted by JPsuff

I'm not saying he was always mediocre nor am I suggesting that he will always be mediocre. What I am saying is that when Phil shows up for a tournament, I don't think many in the rest of the field even notice or care and THAT reeks of mediocrity. Phil has always said that there are more important things in life than golf and that while he enjoys competitive golf, it doesn't consume his life. Now whether he means that or is simply using it as a defense against his rather "nonthreatening" play, only he can say.
But from the point of view of what player makes the biggest impact on the game or stirs interest in the field of players at a given tournament, Phil -at this point in time - just doesn't do it. Quite frankly, with the possible exception of the first five years or so, he hasn't really had that kind of impact on the tour in the sixteen years or so that he's been there. Yes, he's won many tournaments and he has three majors, but he has never quite lived up to the reputation of "rival" or "antagonist" in the way that players like Trevino, Watson, Floyd and others did - especially in the majors.

-JP

How do you know who "stirs interest in the field of players" ? Did they take a poll that revealed which guys make their hearts go all pitty-pat ? He ain't Tiger and he ain't Jack. Nobody is claiming he is or is anywhere near either. He's behind Watson and Trevino too, but he's still the game's 2nd biggest draw and he's better than than Ray Floyd FWIW. He won 3 , including The Players last year. He won 2 events through May had a T-5 at the Masters. It's July 21st... so I guess this descent to "the depths of mediocrity" happened rather quickly.