Lefty owns Augusta National now, not Tiger

Phil Mickelson talks of driving down Magnolia Lane here at Augusta National and feeling reenergized. It both humbles and builds confidence. It both reminds of the past and focuses on the future. “It just reinvigorates my passion for the game,” he said.

It’s probably always been true but easier to say now, when Mickelson is suddenly the reigning king of the place. He’s not just as the defending champion, either. For once, he’s the favorite over longtime nemesis Tiger Woods with both oddsmakers and, as much as it can be measured, the general mood of the place.

This wasn’t always the case. Augusta was Tiger’s town and Phil’s recurring burial ground. Back when Mickelson was still seeking his first major championship, he finished a gut-punching third for three consecutive years, from 2001-’03. The first two times Woods coolly won the event.

Mickelson finally broke through in 2004, won it again in ’06 and then again last year. Tiger took it home in ’05 and hasn’t picked up a new green jacket since. His game is so unpredictable right now he’s not the pre-tournament popular choice anymore.

“Doesn’t matter,” Tiger said. “You still have to play the golf tournament, right?”

That will begin Thursday – Woods teeing off at 10:41 a.m. local time and Mickelson at 1:48 p.m. Until then, you can hardly blame Mickelson for basking in the glow of it all. Both players have always tried to downplay the Tiger-vs.-Phil talk, but that cuts against human nature. Now the tables have turned, for the moment at least, and Mickelson must be enjoying it.

The fans here continued to flock to him during a practice round and Par 3 tournament Wednesday. The Las Vegas Hilton has him as the favorite to win, ending Woods 12-year streak. Just outside the gates, a local Krispy Kreme is featuring a “Phil Mickelson Display” – a picture of him buying three dozen donuts at the drive-thru window while wearing his green jacket after last year’s victory.

Augusta is in a Mickelson mood right now. Tiger is the guy who could really, really use a victory.

This stuff matters to Mickelson. He’s an emotional guy, of course. He thrives on momentum, fan reaction and memories – from the site of those magnolias to the spot behind the 18th green where a year ago he sobbed and celebrated with his cancer-stricken wife Amy.

“That was a really special event for me, a special week,” he said. “It was a really big emotional boost for us. And things have been going so much better. We are in such a better place now.”
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Recreation, Competitive, and Elite - Three Paths of Athletic Participation for Your Child

Athletic participation is important for every child. From developing healthy lifestyle habits to building strong character, youth sports provide a good foundation for turning out excellent adults. There are three basic paths to athletic involvement and the right one for your child depends on a number of factors.

Recreational Sports

The majority of youth sports programs are considered recreational. These leagues focus on basic athletic development, fun, and socialization. They provide an excellent introduction to different sports and a good foundation for all very young athletes. The competitive nature is usually diminished in exchange for a positive, enjoyable experience for all participants. Recreational level sports can provide all kids a strong base for lifelong participation in rec leagues, build habits for good health and fitness, and encourage self-improvement and teamwork in a low pressure environment. Recreational sports are usually identifiable by the registration process - open sign-ups, pay-to-play, no tryouts, learn-to-play, and the like.

Competitive Sports

Competitive sports are the step beyond recreational sports. These leagues are more focused on winning and losing, but more importantly on athlete development. Having fun is still a priority, but there is more attention on building sport-specific skills, discipline and commitment, and teamwork. Athletes at the competitive level typically play through high school varsity levels, and possibly in college. They are in sports to learn the character benefits of athletics, stay busy and fit, and to learn to put in the work to excel. Some natural competitive drive and athletic physicality is necessary to play competitively, but in many cases hard work can make up for deficiencies (Rudy anyone?). Specialization in one or two sports usually occurs around age 12 for competitive youth athletes, following significant exposure to multiple sports.

Elite Sports

Athletes with the highest aspirations - Division I college, Olympics, the pros - are on track to become elite athletes. These kids are aiming for the highest levels of national and international competition, and spend a significant amount of time and energy on improving their athletic skills. Personality, inclination, and natural athleticism are definite factors, but more importantly the athlete must develop a commitment to nutrition, conditioning, and sport specifics to succeed. Early specialization is very common, typically between the ages of 10 and 12 for most sports. Many elite youth athletes also participate in other sports as long as possible (at the recreation or competitive levels) in order to develop all-around athletic skills and as a pleasant distraction from their primary sport.

None of these choices is inherently superior to any other choice. Make your decision based on your and your child's level of interest, commitment, and abilities, and don't worry about pressure from others to conform to their views. This is especially an issue for parents of elite athletes...everyone will have something to say about the choices your family makes, but you just can't take it all personally. Reserve your own judgment about other families' choices, and expect the same respect from others.

Pay attention to the leagues, coaches, and culture of the organizations you sign up with...there are good homes for all types of athletes, but not all leagues are right for all players.
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