Phil Mickelson set a record today: the oldest golfer to win a major golf tournament. He did it by winning the P.G.A. tournament at Kiawah, South Carolina on its Ocean Course. The low slung "barrier island was designed a couple of decades ago by the famous couple-the Dents. It was essentially wiped out during a hurricane a few years ago, and its return has been called miraculous. And so it was selected as the site of this years P.G.A. Tournament. Much was spent on the redo, bringing in live trees to replace some that were lost during the storm. Of course, play at most golf courses around the United States and most other countries was terminated due to the pandemic of 2020.
Some professional golfers had to do with play at their home course(s) by special permission. Many played little, if at all, during the height of the 'lockdowns' for most of the year. It wasn't until late last fall that some course became playable, albeit, limited hours, no foursomes, no fast play or play-throughs. So as fans anticipated today's tournament, P.G.A. directors held their collective breath as some of golf's best players came out of hiding and dusted off their putters for 4 rounds of televised coverage and roving galleries of walking fans, gathered during the late spring weekend. Phil Mickelson did not let his fans down. His early lead began to sink in among observers. His play was thoughtful, steady, and without major disasters along the way. Contenders in the top ten of the leader board seemed poised to take advantage of any slip as he drove off tee after tee with long, straight drives, avoiding water hazards and bunkers lurking near the beaches that line the course. The sandy ground, found on any barrier island, gave the impression to the viewer that this is a beach resort hotel that happens to have a golf course adjacent. No, that is not the case. The classic ocean course was designed to challenge professional golfers on each and every hole. Lacking anything resembling a "landscape", the course offers deceptive approaches that can become serious drawbacks to par: hidden hazards lying in wait can pose as little more than speed bumps until the unwary golfer starts looking for a ball gone missing. Yes, the pros scout the course before the tournament begins; yes, they confer with their coaches and caddies, and they review strategies as play develops and weather is factored in.
At age 50, "Lefty" Mickelson has been around, and he's been around golf most of those 50 years. Since no one that elderly has ever won a tournament on the tour, it would be unlikely for him to ever win another major. But he did. Flashing a winning smile as he raised the Wanamaker Trophy signalling a victory, he basked in the glory of entering the record books via his win at Kiawah, SC.
Well done.
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