This Week at WorldGolf.com: Jan. 24, 2007

Phil Mickelson works out his body, but his mind still may need work

While the sports world watched an epic Manning vs. Brady duel and the Bears shuffle their way into another Super Bowl this past Sunday, Phil Mickelson was quietly flushing his first Sunday of 2007 down the drain at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

The newer, slimmer Mickelson says he's lost 25 pounds of fat and added 10-15 of muscle, but he shot a 6-over 78 on Sunday. He finished 45th. Shooting even par would have put him in the Top-10.

While a 78 won't win anywhere, scores on Sunday were abnormally high due to 40 mph. gusts of wind. Only three players shot in the 60s. Even still, this might be a sign that Phil was working the wrong things during his vacation.

Conditioning in golf, more than any other sport, is about the mind. After all, you're really just walking around for four hours, taking maybe 35-40 full swings. How taxing could that be on a body, especially when you have an unlimited supply of spring water and a looper doing your dirty work?

It's mental stamina that separates golf from other, more physically intense sports. It's discovering early in your round you're pulling your irons, or missing a few six-footers and grinding it out anyway.

Mickelson blamed his poor conditioning for his U.S. Open collapse and dreadful Ryder Cup record (0-4-1) in September. But at Winged Foot he was leading after 71 holes. The only thing that failed him on the 72^nd was his brain. Judging by his recent sound bites and bashful smiles over the weekend, he still has the same, gleeful, uber-positive personality that makes you wonder if a "game face" could ever co-exist.

History tells us Mickelson can rebound from a poor season. His 2004 and 2005 campaigns were a worthy answer to a modest 2003 season. Let's also not forget he won a major last season and has a win streak of his own going, three consecutive years with majors that even Tiger can't match.

But if his first tournament of the year is any indication, his body seems more fit than mind.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Super Bowl in Miami means
golfers get to enjoy the
best football and golf

The Indianapolis Colts will be taking on the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl in Miami on Feb. 4. For NFL fans, this is the culmination of another great season. For golf fans in Miami, now is the chance to catch the season's biggest football game, as well as catch some great golf action at Doral in this golf-laden Florida city.

Also: Golf tips from instructor Chuck Evans

Golf For Beginners podcast:
Mickelson and Tiger return
giving PGA Tour a boost

The Golf for Beginners duo is enjoying seeing the PGA Tour get into full swing, with Vijay Singh winning, Phil Mickelson returning and all eyes on Tiger Woods' return, who will be playing for the first time with a baby on the way. Also, Barry and Stacy Solomon discuss Annika Sorenstam's baby plans on this edition of the popular podcast.

Also: Marc Solomon debuts new podcast!

Brandon Tucker: Can golfers
and homeowners get along?

Everyone knows that golf and real estate go together like peanut butter and jelly. Still, WorldGolf.com's Brandon Tucker wishes that some of those that dwell on the nation's golf courses would understand the game better and accept a simple fact - there's a good chance a golf ball will be going into their backyard, and possibly through their windows..

Column: Some vital golf resolutions