I am not a golfer but with my son working at a golf course this summer and him starting to get into the sport a bit, I decided to read a book about golf. The Saudi government program of “sports washing” is fascinating to me and Phil Mickelson was one of the first professional golfers to switch to the LIV Tour. I also heard he is entertaining and controversial so I thought the book would be a good read for the summer.
I thought the book was good read. It went through his career from growing up in San Diego in a golf-obsessed family to attending Arizona State University and then hitting the PGA tour. As the title says, Mickelson is quite the character! He makes controversial comments all the time, takes risks on the golf course and his life that many think are crazy or imprudent. He differs from many golfers, who always play the percentages and play “boring” golf. I can see why he was popular and got a lot of endorsement deals. He has a lot of charisma and can “work a room”. I didn’t know he was the main rival to Tiger Woods during Wood’s heyday. Mickelson had a way with people that made people who met him in person like him immediately. He was also vain, selfish, fake, and rude at times, which are all human qualities. I think this was his appeal as well. Fans saw themselves in him, with his propensity to overeat, gamble, have an undisciplined approach to his fitness and game, and say crazy things. This was in stark contrast to the robotic approach to golf of Tiger Woods.
The author, Alan Shipnuck has a new book coming out about the whole PGA/Saudi fight and eventual agreement. That may be a good book to read as well.
The book did not make me a golf fan or want to play more. However, it did give me an appreciation of a Hall of Fame golfer’s career and life. Below are some new words I learned.
- “Nassau” – This is a type of bet among players. They bet the first 9, then the second 9, and then the full 18. It is three bets for a round of golf.
- “duende” – In Latin America, it is a type of goblin, but I learned it also means passion …Ballesteros recognized the kid’s duende.
- “consigliere” – This is an advisor to a boss, someone who resolves disputes, challenges the boss, and at times, can be the elder statesman of the group. The term originated with the Sicilian mafia.
Bill's Blog 