Opinion & Analysis
Tiger on possible head-to-head money match with Phil: “We’ll play for whatever makes him uncomfortable”
As you have probably heard, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are paired together for the Thursday and Friday rounds at The 2018 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. It’s only Tuesday, and the two living legends and long-time rivals have already started talking trash.
When talking on Tuesday about a potential head-to-head, high stakes match against Tiger, Phil said, “I don’t know if he wants a piece of me.”
Shots fired?
Tiger, when asked about Phil’s response, said, “Well, first of all, big picture.” Of course, he’s implying the whole 79 vs. 43 PGA Tour wins thing. Ouch.
He continued…
“No, no, as I said, it’s going to be fun playing with him again,” Tiger said. “We have both done this throughout our careers. We have always looked at each other and said, where is he on the board. That’s what Arnold and Jack used to do all the time. They’d always try and find, okay, what’s — what’s Jack at. And the same thing with Jack, where’s Arnie at. It’s been either way for our entire careers. Now that we have an opportunity to play against each other again on the first day when the gun blows, it’s going to be fun. I enjoy either competing with him on the first or second day or if it’s the last day. It’s always been a blast, and he’s one hell of a competitor, and it’s always going to be a challenge to try and beat him.”
Yea, but what about that head-to-head, high stakes match, Tiger?
“I’m definitely not against that. We’ll play for whatever makes him uncomfortable.”
Oh, wow. But, who would win that match? Let’s put it to a vote…
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This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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Rich Gardner
May 9, 2018 at 11:49 pm
If it is based on current tournament, I think Phil game is in great shape, whereas Tiger is still in process of getting his game back. A few more months and it gets much closer. Phil in a nail biter!
Clancy
May 9, 2018 at 5:13 pm
Winner should have to pay their taxes without deductions.
Tully McMuffin
May 9, 2018 at 3:54 pm
Speaking of stories. Jason Day has really gained weight. Tubby needs to slow down.
joro
May 9, 2018 at 12:43 pm
It would be a hoot to watch, but I don’t think the Tiger has the game, even with his new sooner dooper prototype Irons that he has not mastered yet,,,,, or will he ever? However the Tiger faithful are hopeful,,, Good Luck Tiger Lovers.
But it is all in fun,, isn’t it ?
jMac
May 9, 2018 at 12:03 pm
You guys voting Tiger do realize we’re talking about now, right?
Robert Parsons
May 9, 2018 at 12:09 pm
They forgot to post the odds.
Phil -215
Tiger +185
Robert Parsons
May 9, 2018 at 12:12 pm
In all fairness, I figured the casino probably does have this bet. I checked. And the ACTUAL odds at this time are much closer. Phil is still a small favorite to win the matchup.
Phil -125
Tiger +105
Eric
May 9, 2018 at 11:55 am
Phil may be at his best when there’s more than a trophy on the line…
moses
May 9, 2018 at 1:34 am
122 TOUR WINS between these two. AWESOME!!
Harry Williams
May 9, 2018 at 7:22 pm
What’s awesome is the difference in their tour wins!
jamie
May 8, 2018 at 11:01 pm
Amy Mickelson may be the decider.