Phil Mickelson’s Shot of the Masters on 13 Around the Tree and Over the Water

And through the woods, to grandmother’s …. never mind. Despite all the eagles and brilliant shots recorded throughout the week and weekend at the 2010 Masters in Augusta, Phil Mickelson’s shot on 13 in the final round was arguably the best of all. In so many ways, that shot was emblematic of Mickelson’s personality on the course: he’s daring. Mickelson takes the chances most other golfers won’t. Many times it hurts him as it did at the U.S. Open in 2006 at Winged Foot but this time the risk paid off. Here’s arguably the shot of the 2010 Masters, Phil Mickelson hitting between trees and over the water on 13:

Phil being Phil of course missed the easy putt and wound up with a birdie instead of an eagle, but the shot helped him extend his lead over Lee Westwood. Mickelson said after the tournament that going for the shot wasn’t a question; the only issue for him was which iron to use, a five or a six. I guess that’s just what Phil does and you can argue that the chances he takes help him shoot under par and make up strokes. Even though it worked out for Phil this time, I still say it was a dangerous shot and the wrong move. What if that winds up in the water? Then aren’t we talking about another idiotic Mickelson moment resulting in a blown major? We’re results oriented so most people will say it was the right move because it paid off. I remain consistent in my thoughts and I still feel the shot was too risky and therefore the wrong move. Either way it worked out for Phil and he now has his third green jacket. Congratulations to Mickelson on the win.