Phil Mickelson was once known as the best player without a major title. When Tiger Woods exploded onto the PGA scene back in 1996, questions if Phil would ever win a major began to circulate even more.

For me, Mickelson has always been one of those players I’ve always rooted for. It seems like ages since Phil’s second place finishes were the major topic of conversation after major tournaments. His third green jacket yesterday put Phil an elite group of golfers with names like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicholas, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.

Mickelson’s victory and his moment with his ailing wife, Amy was a stark contrast to Tiger Woods’ behavior that was exposed to the public last November. Ironically, both the Masters win, his third Green Jacket, and his wife cements Phil Mickelson’s place in this era alongside Tiger Woods.

Phil’s dedication to his wife and family make him a fan favorite for even the part time viewer of major tournaments like the Masters.

There were so many shots during this tournament, but the one I’ll always remember was Phil’s shot off of the pine needles on No. 13 between two imposing trees trying to reach the green in two shots. A risky shot with Ray’s Creek protecting the green that could have eliminated Phil from contention. (Memories of The Shark back in 1996 and Nick Faldo winning ran through my head when Phil hit the shot.)

A stroke that will be overlooked because of his win however was back on the front 9 on hole No. 2 during his birdie bid. In the middle of the green, during his back stroke a seed dropped out of the sky from nowhere directly in line with the hole. As a result, the seed bumped the ball ever so slightly to the left which robbed him of a birdie bid early in the round.

He admitted during his press conference that the shot raised questions if someone was out to get him. Like a true Champion however, he put it behind him rather quickly with a birdie on the very next hole and he never looked back.

That’s what true Champions do. There will always be situations that appear to be beyond your control. You can’t let a little bump in the road ruin your main focus. 

Augusta National will always have a special place in my heart. It’s one of most beautiful places on earth for some of the world’s most elite golfers. Television, even HD TV doesn’t do this course justice. You have to experience the course for yourself to realize just how beautiful and majestic this course really is.

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Most know that the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in the United States is in the Big Apple.

Care to take a guess at where the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held?

Would you believe Savannah, Georgia?

No kidding! Anywhere from 300,000 to 700,000 people pack the streets of Savannah for its St. Patrick’s Day celebration. (And you thought Savannah’s biggest claim to fame was “Forrest Gump“…)

Most wouldn’t think of Savannah as a huge Irish Catholic town, and you’d be right. It was actually a Protestant group known as the Hibernian Society who held the first parade in 1824 to raise money for immigrants. (Savannah is still the 4th busiest port in the U.S., but today its containers, not people.) The biggest influx of Irish came between 1845 and 1850 during the Great Famine and new immigrants found work in the port there. It wasn’t until 1860 that over 20 percent of Savannah’s population was Irish.

True, St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah begins with mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, but the crowds start to line the parade route hours before mass even starts. Loyal fans can start forming along River Street as early as 6:00am. Believe it or not, they use to camp out days before hand. Too many started to “celebrate” early however and the city had to crack down due to all the complaints from local residents who actually live there year round.

Part of the attraction for hundreds of thousands is Savannah’s city ordnance which allows for open drinking in the area with “to-go cups” that are 16 ounces or smaller in the downtown area. Just remain inside Jones Street and, and River Street. That’s not just for St. Patrick’s Day, that’s all year long by the way.

Just thinking out loud here: Would it be wrong to think that’s an Irish Catholic’s dream?

I’ve heard Savannah’s St. Patrick’s festivities being called “Mardi Gras gone Irish” minus the “flashing”. (Although some still attempt to expose themselves, anyone who does will most likely be arrested.) But like Mardi Gras, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Savannah go on for days. It’s a great excuse to throw a week long party.

So, if you’re Irish, and even if you’re not and just want a change of pace in a quaint little town that plans all year long for this one party, try Savannah, Georgia. You’ll quickly find out that it’s one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations you’ve probably never heard of.

It’s so big and so well planned with festivities, it makes most cities “green” with envy.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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