Is it possible a golfer could be rated among the top 10 of all time even though he has never been ranked No. 1 in the world at any time in his career?
That's the question surrounding Phil Mickelson, the sweet-swinging American lefty with the maddening habit of crashing and burning at the most inopportune times but who, in 2012 at the age 41, is showing signs of having one of his best years ever.
Mickelson, of course, has been Tiger Woods' foil for the past 15 years on the PGA Tour. While Woods cemented his status as either 1 or 1A all-time with 71 victories (and 14 majors) in his first 14 years on tour, Mickelson had to be satisfied with good, but not great.
Lately, though, it's like the two have changed places. There's Phil, standing on the podium, holding a trophy, kissing his wife and hugging his kids. And there's the recently divorced and publicly humiliated Tiger - despite the occasional flash of brilliance - shooting a lot of 75s, putting like he's using a rusted tie rod from a '78 Buick, and wondering not whether he'll ascend to the throne occupied by Jack Nicklaus as the best of all time, not whether he'll win a major this year, but whether he has what it takes to win a tournament - any tournament - again.
Mickelson, slated for induction in the World Golf Hall of Fame this year, had a great California run in February, winning the Pebble Beach Pro-Am by crushing Woods on the final day (64 to 75) and losing in a playoff the following week at Los Angeles.
He will definitely be one of the favourites at next month's Masters, the first major of 2012 and at a golf course, Augusta National, where he has won three of his four majors and missed the top 10 only twice since 2000.
Meanwhile, we return to the question: Can Mickelson possibly be ranked among the top 10 greatest golfers of all time despite not being the top golfer of his era?
The answer is yes, and here - to give you and your friends something to debate over a beverage after golf's opening day this spring - are the rankings from someone who is not necessarily a Mickelson fan but who appreciates skill and flair that the Californian lefthander definitely possesses:
1. Jack Nicklaus, until he is dethroned in the "majors" category, if ever; 2. Tiger Woods; 3. Ben Hogan; 4. Sam Snead; 5. Bobby Jones; 6. Byron Nelson; 7. Arnold Palmer; 8. Phil Mickelson; 9. Walter Hagen; 10. Tom Watson.
I know, that leaves out the likes of Faldo, Sarazen, Player, Trevino and Ballesteros, so let the arguments begin.
Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle: "I wonder if sports photographers ever go to psychologists to improve their focus."
Phil Taylor of Sports Illustrated, on NBA star Ron Artest changing his name to Metta World Peace: "The forward formerly known as Artest hasn't inspired any countries to lay down their weapons just yet."
Comedy writer Jim Barach: "Hal Steinbrenner says he is going to cut the Yankees' payroll to $189 million a year. That way the whole team's salary can be covered through hot dog and beer sales at home games."
Barach again: "Hank Haney says in his book that Tiger Woods was interested in at some point joining the Navy SEALs. Although when it came to women he had the appetite of a shark and the hands of an octopus."
R.J. Currie of sportsdeke.com: "Reports out of Edmonton say NHL bench boss Tom Renney is still suffering from headaches. No, not from the concussion, from coaching the Oilers."
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: "Former Cal quarterback Joe Ayoob tossed a paper airplane 226 feet, 10 inches - 19 feet longer than the recognized world record - inside a hangar at McClellan Air Force Base in northern California. Updated Ayoob scouting report: 'Still has an excellent arm, at least on paper.'"
Bob Molinaro of the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, on the overemphasis on 40-yard sprint times for NFL quarterback prospects: "Peyton Manning and Tom Brady can't outrun the cast of The Biggest Loser, and they've done pretty well for themselves."
Carl Steward of the Oakland Tribune, on word that Manny Ramirez will wear uniform No. 1 with the A's this season: "Somewhere, Billy Martin is punching the lid of a box."
Headline at SportsPickle.com: "Ryan Braun feeling lucky enough to enter 2012 Tour de France."
A tweet from si.com's Steve Rushin: "MLB's 10-team playoff format doesn't go far enough. Let fans vote online for which two teams play in the World Series."
Ostler again, with a spring training questionnaire for ball players: Which of the following would you like to see banned from the clubhouse? (a) Beer; (b) Beer, until "happy hour" (the fifth inning); (c) The media; (d) The manager; (e) PED-sniffing dogs.
Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: Can you believe a silent movie actually won the Oscar? What next - the 1910 Hudson Roadster winning the Daytona 500?
CBS's David Letterman, the reason behind actress Reese Witherspoon's visit to the Bronx Bombers' spring-training camp: "The Yankees are taking a look at her as a possible Alex Rodriguez girlfriend."
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