Big Play

WHO
Phil Mickelson

WHAT
145-yard approach over trees to nine feet

WHERE
433-yard par-4 18th hole at Colonial Country Club

WHEN
Final hole of the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

WHY
Unlike most guys on Tour, Mickelson isn't afraid to risk everything and try anything to get a victory. Sometimes his efforts backfire, but at least he tries. On Sunday at 18, Rod Pampling and Tim Clark showed a lack of killer instinct by leaving potential winning birdie putts short. But Mickelson shocked everybody except himself by attempting—and pulling off—what he called one of the five best shots of his career, a wedge over a grove of trees in front of him.

ERIC'S TIP
Put the Hands Back To Top the Trees

To get the ball up quickly, make three changes at address: tilt the handle so the end is behind the ball; move the ball forward; and slightly open the face. Take a full, powerful swing so that at impact the clubface is ahead of your hands, which is the opposite of a normal shot (hands ahead of the clubface).

Eric Johnson is director of instruction at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.

... AND ANOTHER THING

"Even if Greg Norman had won the Senior PGA, I don't think he'd play on the Champions tour. He doesn't need or want competitive golf."

GOLF MAGAZINE TOP 100 TEACHERS POLL

Was the setup at Oak Hill over the top for the Senior PGA?

Yes 46%

No 54%

"They all play the same course. May the best man win."
—EDEN FOSTER, MAIDSTONE CLUB

PHOTO

COURTESY OF CBS (MICKELSON)

PHOTO

ERICK W. RASCO (BACKGROUND)

TWO PHOTOS

ERICK W. RASCO (JOHNSON)

PHOTO

RICHARD MACKSON (HAAS)