Phil Mickelson Still Man of the People

MEMPHIS -- Phil Mickelson wanted a return to normalcy this week. He may not realize it, but one thing will never be the same on the PGA Tour.

No one can question whether Phil is a fake.

Well, they can. But it would be politically incorrect to question the sincerity of a man whose wife is battling breast cancer.

Consider it a small collateral benefit to Amy Mickelson's health crisis. After 15 years, it was time to put the issue to rest and simply accept Phil as Phil.

More Coverage: Gay Leads St. Jude | Leaderboard

He was at it again Friday, autographing every cap and program thrust his way and thanking fans for coming out to the St. Jude Classic.

"I'm Phil, very nice to meet you. Thanks for helping us out."

That was him on the first tee greeting the volunteers. Other pros may have offered a quick handshake or a nod. Mickelson went out of his way to introduce himself, just in case they didn't know Phil Mickelson from Cameron Beckman.

Back when we had smaller things to worry about, the scene would have been another example of Mickelson's grateful heart and warm personality. The persona drives New Yorkers wild and should make next week's US Open a Love-in for the ages.

The persona also drives Phil Bashers wild. Where some see humility and boyish smile, they see arrogance and a devious grin.

The guessing game has gone on for 15 years. You shouldn't feel guilty if you played along. Even his colleagues took a spin.

"He's so polite it's almost un-American," Ward Cleaver said.

Beaver's dad was actually talking about Eddie Haskell, which was one of Mickelson's locker room nicknames. So was The Candidate, since Mickelson always seemed to be kissing babies and angling for votes.

So was "FIGJAM," which stood for (Bleep) I'm Good, Just Ask Me.

"Do you see the true side of Phil?" Vijay Singh said on HBO's Real Sports. "I don't know. I cannot speak for Phil. But you see the true me. I don't hide things."

In other words, I'm a jerk, but at least I'm an honest jerk. Or maybe Singh was just jealous that Mickelson once made GQ's Top Ten Most Hated Athletes.

What did the guy do to deserve that?

"I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player because I hate the [bleep]," Steve Williams said over the winter. "He pays me no respect at all."

Latest Golf Images

Phil Mickelson is carted off the 16th hole after play was suspended because of severe storms in the area during the second round of the St. Jude Classic golf tournament in Memphis, Tenn., Friday, June 12, 2009. Friday's rounds are expected to resume early Saturday morning. (AP Photo/Lance Murphey)

Spectators walk away after play was suspended because severe storms were approaching during the second round of the St. Jude Classic golf tournament in Memphis, Tenn., Friday, June 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Lance Murphey)

Michelle Wie reacts after he putt lipped out of the cup on the first hole during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Nicole Castrale follows her tee shot on the ninth hole during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Nicole Castrale follows her shot to the eighth green during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Paula Creamer and her caddie Colin Cann celebrate after Creamer holed out from the bunker on the sixth hole during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden, hits from the fairway on the second hole during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Anna Nordqvist, of Sweden, chips to the fourth green during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Anna Nordqvist, of Sweden, reacts to her putt for birdie coming up short on the first hole during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Havre de Grace, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Se Ri Pak, of South Korea, gets instructions from her caddie Matt Gelezis before teeing of at the 14th hole during the second round of the LPGA Championship golf tournament Friday, June 12, 2009 in Havre de Grace, Md.(AP Photo/ Gail Burton)

Apparently Williams threw out his perspective trying to lift a golf bag. It didn't occur to him that just because he is Tiger Woods' caddie doesn't mean he is Tiger Woods.

His boss quickly distanced himself from the remarks, but it rekindled the old Tiger vs. Phil debate we all know and love.

There's no debate who is the better player. There also is no debate which guy makes the people around him feel better.

Tiger marches through 18 holes with a sniper's stare, rarely acknowledging anything exists beyond the next shot. He's a golf robot whose been wired to win, and he's certainly done that.

He owes nobody an explanation, much less an apology. I just wish he'd at least appear to enjoy life every now and then.

Even away from the course, the walls don't come down. When Woods sits courtside at Orlando Magic games, he never applauds, yells, moves or, as far as I can tell, breathes.

The underlying tone reflects the name of his yacht: Privacy.

Tiger just wants to be left alone, and there's nothing fake about that.

Then there's Mickelson, spotted recently at a Lakers game with his arm around Amy, talking, laughing and generally acting like regular human beings.

Pros have whispered things about Phil, but Amy is universally adored. The outpouring of concern and affection had Mickelson red-eyed as he discussed their ordeal for the first time on Wednesday.

"We feel very fortunate to be a part of this tour," he said. "We think there are some of the greatest individuals in sports on this tour and we're lucky to have them as friends."

Yes, he does have friends on tour. And God knows he has friends in the gallery. There were about 1,000 on Thursday until the rain came on the 16th hole.

Mickelson was 4-under when the round was suspended. Considering he's had a lot on his mind and hadn't played in five weeks it's been an acceptable tune-up for the US Open.

He doesn't know why he's become such a crowd favorite around New York. In 2002 at Bethpage Mickelson was the tragic underdog figure, trying futilely to win his first major.

He has three of those now, but he'll return even more embraceable. The pink ribbon patch on his cap will explain everything.

"I love that course. I love playing in the New York area," Mickelson said. "I think I can win next week."

What a story that would be. Then Amy will begin cancer treatments, and there's no telling when golf fans will see her husband again.

"We're going to go through this together," he said. "She's always been there for me."

Even if Mickelson finishes 15-over at Bethpage and misses the cut, Phil will be Phil. He will try to sign every autograph, thank every volunteer, smile at every fan and enjoy every moment.

Is it all just a performance?

Does it really matter?

All I know is if it's an act, I wish more golfers would act that way.

One in particular.