You gotta love this guy. He's probably got more raw talent than anyone on Tour (even Tiger). Continually causing huge roars with his short game, and causing huge moans with the driver. Taking chances that no sane player would attempt. He's "Mr. Excitement" as far as I am concerned, and except for Fred Couples, he's absolutely my favorite player. Phil walks the ropes between holes nodding and smiling at the gallery, sometimes having a quick word for a kid standing there. He ALWAYS gives his glove and ball to a youngster when he exits the 18th green. He actually gave away 3 Cameron putters (and took the time to sign them no less!) during a tournament 2 years ago...one after each of his first three rounds (he wasn't putting very well at the time). At the Masters during Wednesday practice, he signs autographs when the opportunity presents itself and it doesn't hold up play (even though the Masters staff says this is a NO-NO). He donates huge sums of money on a regular basis, never says anything derogatory about a fellow competitor or caddie (are you reading this, Steve Williams?).
A lot of you might not like Phil. And sometimes you and I surely question his intelligence on the course. But you have to give him a nod as far as excitement and courtesy are concerned. A lot of players could learn a lot from following Phil around a course and watching him interact with the fans.
I hope he has 3 more good rounds this week. He's definitely my pick for Augusta at this point in time.