TIGER VS. PHIL, WHO WILL WIN?
Local golfers sound off on the $10 million match, Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson. Is it good for the game?
Is the Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson $10 million match good for the game? Who would win, and why? (Respondents were surveyed by the Journal’s Steve Virgen at UNM Championship Golf Course after the U.S. Amateur Qualifier.)
Patrick McCarthy Second qualifier to the U.S. Amateur Championship; St. Pius alumnus
“I do think it’s good for golf. At the same time I think that they both have so much money they should try to give money back to their charity, and they probably will. It’s not like they need an extra $10 million. I think it would be fun to watch. I think everyone is pretty excited about it. I think Tiger will win. He’s playing a little bit better than Phil right now. He’s a little more solid for sure, tee to green. I think it will be close but I think Tiger will probably pull it out.”
Kevin Kim McCarthy’s caddy; La Cueva alumnus
“It’s definitely good for the game. I think it brings a lot of people to golf. It’s basically two of the biggest names in golf and their whole rivalry is great. Tiger for sure would win. Tiger can definitely get in Phil’s head, so Tiger can win that for sure.”
J.P. Murrieta New Mexico Activities Association sports information director
“I think it would be a lot more exciting if they put up their own money for the match. I’d say Phil has the advantage right now. If you play this 10 years ago it might be a different story, but while Tiger is still on the comeback trail and improving, yet not anywhere close to where he used to be, he is getting better. But Phil is more consistent now. I give Phil the advantage.”
Greg Yellin Top qualifier to the U.S. Amateur Championship
“I think it’s good so that it will get people interested in golf. I think a lot of people would watch that. I think it will be good to get people interested and get more people to play more. I think Tiger will win that for sure. Tiger has been playing real well. Not that Phil hasn’t, but I think Tiger is coming back. That would be really fun to watch. Hopefully it’s with their own money so there’s more pressure.”