Mickelson Tees Off The Obvious Favourite in Phoenix

His caddie ‘Bones’ pulled the pin and Phil Mickelson just missed holing out for eagle from the fairway on the 72nd hole at the Farmer’s Insurance Open in an attempt to get in a playoff with Bubba Watson.  However, he is far ahead of Watson on the betting board as the Waste Management Phoenix Open tees off Thursday with Mickelson a (7-1) favourite.

Mickelson, at 5th in the world, is the highest ranked player in the field this week and with a masterful performance last week he looks as though he’s recaptured his form even though he did eventually fall short to Watson.

Mickelson seems to have that easy going manner where he just makes everything look so simple and when he’s got that look in his eyes, as though nothing can faze him, Lefty should be the favourite in almost any tournament he plays.

Dustin Johnson is second to Mickelson in the pre-tournament books at (10-1) and, with him posting a T-3 in San Diego last week, it looks like he’s dialled in after pulling out of the Sony to tend to some circulating news about his amorous relationships.

Johnson won three times last season and easily could have won two majors if not for a horrendous Sunday at the US Open and a dumbfounding rules violation coming down the stretch on Sunday at the PGA Championship that left him on the outside looking in as three played off for the title that was ultimately won by Martin Kaymer.

Rickie Fowler and Nick Watney both tee off Thursday at (16-1) as the books’ third pick and this pair certainly has the game to challenge the likes of Mickelson and Johnson.

Fowler is obviously a rising star who opened 2011 in decent fashion last week as he was right in the mix midday on Saturday, but a closing 74 in the final round ultimately sank his chances for victory.

Watney, meanwhile, finished 6th last week in San Diego riding a final round 63.  A great start to 2011 after a solid season in 2010 that saw him post eight top-10’s, but not a victory.

Low numbers could be plentiful at TPC Scottsdale, so if Watney can show the form he did last Sunday it would be no surprise to see him challenge for the title.

From the land of long odds.  Last week’s winner Bubba Watson played superbly over four rounds to hoist the trophy in San Diego, but even with the win he has questionably long odds week giving bettors an opportunity for great value at (25-1).

Jhonattan Vegas was in the hunt for a second straight win to start his PGA Tour career before dumping it in the water on the 72nd hole.  Regardless, he’s served notice and doesn’t seemed to be the least bit rattled in the crunch.

Until I win and prove myself, length doesn't get you the record, it doesn't get you in the Hall of Fame, doesn't get you anything    - Bubba Watson