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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I admit it…I’m spoiled. Some might even go as far as saying spoiled rotten, and they just might be right. Some 15 years ago I moved to Atlanta, found myself a true Southern Bell, and she agreed to marry me. I tell people all the time it was the best move I ever made. I couldn’t ask for a better soul mate, cook, mother of our children, home maker, and all around companion than what I have found in my real life woman of my dreams. I get teased all the time that I “Married Up” and I honestly have no defense, and would have to agree that I’m guilty as charged. I certainly hope that most don’t think it’s as drastic as Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter, or Rick Ocasek and Paulina Porizkova. (One of those, what is SHE doing with HIM??!!) I would agree however she is the better half when it comes to this union.

I’m reminded of a quote in Monsters, Inc. when Mike Wazowski tells Celia, “I remember the first time I set eye on you.” (I think I looked just like that picture too!) I was blown away. I came to find out that this woman was a former Miss Emanuel County and Miss Valdosta State. Beautiful, intelligent, and an extremely talented voice that makes your heart just melt. However, the cincher for me…the first time she made me Lasagnas. If the quickest way to a mans heart is through his stomach, this dish certainly did it for me. It was by far the best Lasagnas I ever had. (If anyone tells my mother, that my wife’s is better, I will flat out deny it!) I’m the luckiest man in the world to have someone who loves me as much as she does, and who takes pride in taking care of me the way she does.

They say that opposites attract, and I’ve known this to be true in other relationships and even in marriage. However, finding someone you have common interests in and similar backgrounds I believe is key in helping a relationship thrive. Ronda and I have so many things we enjoy doing together and like a lot of the same things. We both wanted children, and even found that we had picked out the same names for our kids when we were dating. (Brittany and Brandon, who eventually changed to Brian.) We LOVE to travel and our passion is cruising. We are also both entrepreneurs, and have even found a business we enjoy working together, with YTB Travel Network. We still have our own interests and we’ve also found that each of us bring special qualities to the relationship. Ronda for example is a wiz with numbers and finances. I on the other hand am a wiz with anything dealing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Don’t knock it, in this household, it’s important!) It makes for a great combination!

Today, we celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, 10 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached this milestone in our partnership; it certainly doesn’t feel that long. Of all the qualities I love about my wife, and there are many, there is one that stands out above all the rest. It’s the fact that the vows we shared ten years ago meant just as much to her as they did to me. Marriage means something to us, it’s an important union. There have been some rough times over the last ten years, but we both promised each other that we would stick together, for better or worse, sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. The vows we shared were important to both of us, and we both knew what it was like to have a partner that didn’t understand what that meaning meant.

We are off to the North Georgia Mountains for an extended weekend without the kids. (Thanks Mema and Pappa!) Before we left, I wanted to tell the world just how special she is, and how much she means to me. I am so happy and grateful she said yes. Because she did, I know that dreams can and do come true.

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