Final Round highlights, thoughts

I was at the Iowa basketball game tonight so I really have no idea how Phil Mickelson nearly blew a four-shot lead on Sunday, but when I refreshed the scoreboard before tip-off I was even more shocked that he had won. From video and stories about Lefty's title defense at the Northern Trust Open, I gather that it was a pretty exciting finish that required him to get up-and-down for par on the 72nd hole to edge Steve Stricker.

For as many times as Lefty has melted down — they even created a top-10 show on the Golf Channel of his imaginative, occasionally costly playing style — he seems to have an improved understanding of what it takes to play a complete week and win. Fitting, was Mickelson's first win of 2009, coming just days before Tiger Woods' return at the World Golf Championships.

If, by some sort of cosmic miracle, they end up playing one another in Match Play this week, I cannot imagine the TV ratings/anticipation with Phil coming off a win. It would be insane.

Also, I cannot help but point out that I think Mickelson's shirt has been one size too small on purpose this week. If he was going to give a victory fist pump, why not show off the guns?

Back later this week to capture the madness of Tiger's return and other Tour topics.