Week in Review: Phil Teaches, Another Penalty, and Na Gets Emotional

Phil Holds Court

Besides the fervor surrounding the rumored Phil vs. Tiger, $10 million match, Phil Mickelson was yet again in the spotlight this weekend for two very different reasons. And yet, they were both very “Phil-ish” reasons.

First, taking Golf Twitter by storm, is Phil giving a chipping lesson to Larry Fitzgerald.

Class is in session, everyone. Listen up.

More from Phil.
(Pardon my finger.) pic.twitter.com/MMkvjHtA56

— Chantel McCabe (@chantel_mccabe) July 5, 2018

So great. So very Phil.

Phil Gonna Phil

Speaking of so very Phil…he assessed a two-stroke penalty on himself on Sunday.

After consulting a rules official, Phil Mickelson assessed himself a 2-stroke penalty for improving his line of play (violation of Rule 13-2). pic.twitter.com/61GiY5ggaj

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 8, 2018

It’s not quite a U.S. Open-level, hit-the-ball-while-it’s-still-moving penalty, but still odd in it’s own right.

First, I had no idea this was a penalty. I can’t wait to call out one of my playing partners during one of our cart fee matches. After which, they’ll likely be a former playing partner.

Secondly, someone pointed out that had he just re-teed his ball a foot left or right, he could have avoided the penalty since he hadn’t taken his shot yet. Although, I’m not about to question Phil Mickelson’s knowledge of the rule book. If he says it’s a penalty, odds are it’s a penalty.

Na Reminds Us Why We Love Sports

Kevin Na got his second win of his PGA career this weekend. It’s hard to believe it’s only win number two for him. Incredibly, Na is just one of 13 players to have fifty-five top-ten finishes over the past ten years on the tour.

Na has been the poster boy over the years for slow-play, but he has made a conscious attempt to player a little quicker over the years. Maybe someday a certain golfer out of Kentucky will also make an effort to play a little faster.

J.B. Holmes. I’m talking about J.B. Holmes.

At any rate, during Na’s post-round interview, he asked to say a few words to his Korean friends, family, and fans.

It may get a little dusty while watching.

Winning is special. It doesn’t *seem* special when JT does it 5x a year, but it is (even for guys like JT). Na is a microcosm of what the actual PGA Tour is like. The realest. Watch this until the end. pic.twitter.com/mQs5l1yVe9

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) July 8, 2018

As Kyle Porter points out, winning matters to these guys. While many of us talk about how great it would be just to make cuts week to week on the PGA TOUR as a living, that isn’t enough for these guys. It’s a stressful career with nothing guaranteed.  And when you finally break through, or in Na’s case, wait seven years between wins, it means something.

Ridiculous Stat of the Weekend

Jon Rahm made his 50th start of his career this weekend at the Irish Open where he finished tied for fourth place.

It’s his 20th top-five finish.

Amazing.

Jon Rahm of Spain reacts after an eagle on the 16th hole during the…

Jon Rahm of Spain reacts after an eagle on the 16th hole during the first round of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 3, 2017 in… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Cover Image via Twitter