Mickelson belts his fashion critics

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Phil Mickelson isn't about to wave the white flag on his white belt.

Amid snarky Internet reports that Mickelson is averaging two strokes over par in PGA Tour rounds when wearing a thick white belt that has some traditionalist fashionistas snickering -- he turns 40 next year, after all -- Lefty said Tuesday at the Players Championship that he isn't backing down.

Mickelson said he'd heard that his scores had soared when wearing the belt, sort of like the unsolicited commentary similarly skied. When he wore it with an otherwise all-black outfit in San Diego, one media wag said he looked like an Oreo cookie.

Waist not, want not? Hardly. He laughed it all off.

"Yeah, I know it's not too good," he said of his scoring average, which does not include his white-belted loss to Stewart Cink at Accenture Match Play. "But it's not going to stop me from wearing it.

"I look too good in it."

I was going to rag on him about the hunter-green belt he wore last week in Charlotte, which matched the exact hue of his shirt, but it takes the fun out of needling him if it doesn't bother him in the slightest.

In his practice round Tuesday at TPC Sawgrass, Mickelson was sporting the white belt, a white hat, light pants and white shoes -- with dark socks, which is probably a fashion violation of another sort for those who track such things.

Oh, and you can forget about seeing Tiger Woods in a white belt anytime soon. Last week, he was paired with 42-year-old David Toms, who was sporting white leather around his midsection at the suggestion of his 11-year-old son. I asked Woods where his white belt was.

"Still back at the Nike campus," he said.

It hits me in the heart to think that Lefty will be 40 next year. He is an amazing player and I want him to have some more signature moments. I love the way he plays the game - fearless. I just hope there are a few more majors out there for him and at the very least ONE MORE to help us forget that US Open meltdown...I am such an idiot.

It doesn't help things that Vijay, well into his 40's, has tapered off...bad knee or not. That sort of thing nags more the older you get. Ernie and Reteif have fallen off as well...it is just so hard to keep that fire buring for so long

Belt or no belt, white or black, Phil needs to put the biscuit in the basket and take charge of this era when Tiger isn't 100 percent.

You have to laugh at the fact that while Woods keeps on making top tens, we all wonder what is wrong. He is that special. Any other play and he would be on fire.

Chickfighter Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 15, 2008	Posted on: May 5, 2009 7:58 pm Score: 119 Mickelson belts his fashion critics Mmmm... Oreos! I could never get my Phil... Seriously, does anyone really think Phil's scoring is related to the belt he wears? And I don't think most golfers I've seen have no room to say anything. By the way did anyone see those pajamas Daly was wearing the other day? It's nice to see that Phil is comfortable in his own skin (or belt). Maybe that will eventually pay divendends for him if he can stay in his comfort zone on the last nine holes on Sunday at one of the coming majors. [ Reply to Comment ]
GoatNation Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Mar 15, 2008	Posted on: May 6, 2009 12:59 am Score: 130 Mickelson belts his fashion critics It hits me in the heart to think that Lefty will be 40 next year. He is an amazing player and I want him to have some more signature moments. I love the way he plays the game - fearless. I just hope there are a few more majors out there for him and at the very least ONE MORE to help us forget that US Open meltdown...I am such an idiot. It doesn't help things that Vijay, well into his 40's, has tapered off...bad knee or not. That sort of thing nags more the older you get. Ernie and Reteif have fallen off as well...it is just so hard to keep that fire buring for so long Belt or no belt, white or black, Phil needs to put the biscuit in the basket and take charge of this era when Tiger isn't 100 percent. You have to laugh at the fact that while Woods keeps on making top tens, we all wonder what is wrong. He is that special. Any other play and he would be on fire. [ Reply to Comment ]
kenoja Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Jun 15, 2007	Posted on: May 6, 2009 4:56 pm Score: 101 Mickelson belts his fashion critics Lefty is truly at the top of his game, it is just a matter of bringing altogether for four days. I have to believe that Tiger will lock in soon and win the TPC. You are so correct to note that any other player would be scortching the greens the way he is playing. Sean O'Hair should be right there once again. He is probably the hottest player on the planet for this past month. [ Reply to Comment ]
Kasual68 Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: May 4, 2009	Posted on: May 6, 2009 5:26 pm Score: 75 Mickelson belts his fashion critics Belt or No belt, you still have to put the ball in the hole. But I might just leave it alone for a week and see what happens. But you're right. Tiger a win and 2 top fives and 1 tens in 4 stroke play events and he is being questioned. Sean O'hare a melt down, cut and a win and he is on fire. Standards, boy I tell you. [ Reply to Comment ]
rivercat2939 Reputation: 29 Level: Rookie Since: Jan 24, 2008	Posted on: May 6, 2009 9:53 pm Score: -6 Mickelson belts his fashion critics forget about the belt! what he needs is a shirt that fits! He is not ever going to be at the top of any fashion mag other than what not to wear. [ Reply to Comment ]
CrazyIvan2 Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: Apr 14, 2009	Posted on: May 6, 2009 11:13 pm Score: 92 Mickelson belts his fashion critics It may sound greedy but I kinda want Phil tp play his best right now. Grab whatever you can get and win while Tiger's working out the kinks. Even if he does wear a funny white belt. I wonder if I'm the problem. I was a fan of Greg Norman too before Phil. Didn't he get accused of collapsing in the stretch too? And I do hope we get the old Tiger back because it's just astonishing to watch that guy. [ Reply to Comment ]
TOM928 Reputation: 86 Level: All-Star Since: Jul 20, 2008	Posted on: May 7, 2009 1:50 am Score: 82 Mickelson belts his fashion critics I totally agree with you that Phil should wear a larger size t-shirt. Yes, the slim and small cut is the fashion but not worn by somebody with a 40 waist. It is ugly. [ Reply to Comment ]

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