I know all about the FIGJAM stuff. I know some people think he's fake and arrogant and cocky. I spent a lot of time rooting against him actually.
But having just seen him in person for the first time (followed him for about 9 holes today), you know what? I get the love now. I see why he is so popular. Fake or not, doesn't change fact that he engages the fans and is polite and makes everyone feel special. I watched a ton of golfers in person the last two days in Austin and Phil was the only player I saw- literally the only one- who talked to the fans.
He responded when people yelled at him. Sometimes he spoke, sometimes he just nodded and gave a thumbs up. But he listens and he engages.
He gave a kid a ball right in front of me today. No reason, just to make a kid happy. I saw no other players do that.
When he hit his drive into the rough on the par 5 sixth, when he arrived at his ball he first greeted and thanked the volunteers who had to move the ropes for him,and then he walked into the crowd and asked how everyone was doing. He looked up and smiled.
When walking with Berger down the fairway, he talked with a normal voice to where we fans could actually hear him. The other players talked quietly, like they were telling secrets.
I've never been a huge Phil fan. Now, in all honesty, I can't help but be. Part of that is the appreciation you get from seeing people in person and then just seeing his every interaction for two hours, it's impressive.
If that's what fake is, I'll take it. Sports needs more like him.
But having just seen him in person for the first time (followed him for about 9 holes today), you know what? I get the love now. I see why he is so popular. Fake or not, doesn't change fact that he engages the fans and is polite and makes everyone feel special. I watched a ton of golfers in person the last two days in Austin and Phil was the only player I saw- literally the only one- who talked to the fans.
He responded when people yelled at him. Sometimes he spoke, sometimes he just nodded and gave a thumbs up. But he listens and he engages.
He gave a kid a ball right in front of me today. No reason, just to make a kid happy. I saw no other players do that.
When he hit his drive into the rough on the par 5 sixth, when he arrived at his ball he first greeted and thanked the volunteers who had to move the ropes for him,and then he walked into the crowd and asked how everyone was doing. He looked up and smiled.
When walking with Berger down the fairway, he talked with a normal voice to where we fans could actually hear him. The other players talked quietly, like they were telling secrets.
I've never been a huge Phil fan. Now, in all honesty, I can't help but be. Part of that is the appreciation you get from seeing people in person and then just seeing his every interaction for two hours, it's impressive.
If that's what fake is, I'll take it. Sports needs more like him.