Why players on the PGA Tour call Phil Mickelson "FIGJAM"

Monday February 6, 2006 | 05:57:32 451 words, 22236 views

According to the February GQ article naming Phil Mickelson one of the most hated guys in sports, the other players on the PGA Tour call him “FIGJAM,” which stands for “F**k I’m great, just ask me.”

Why do they call him FIGJAM? Just go to Phil’s official website www.philmickelson.com which contains Phil’s letters to his fans and a description of what a truly warm, caring, cuddly, charitable, big-lug-you-love-to-hug Phil really is.

Excerpt: “What separates Mickelson from his peers is there truly is more to this young man
than his smooth swing, silky putting stroke, booming drives off the tee and creativity around the greens. He represents a link to the past, a link to the greats who have made the game what it is today. Jones. Hagen. Sarazen. Nelson. Hogan. Snead. Palmer. Nicklaus. Watson.”

Conclusion: Unlike his peers, Phil is more than just a golfer. He’s larger than life, a symbol, an extension of golf’s lineage, a link to the great players of the past.

Excerpt: “There are many players who have come along since Watson that have displayed tremendous skill and accomplishment on the course, adding their names to the record books. Of these, few, if any, have matched the off-course respect from his peers and business community and personal respect for the game more than Phil Mickelson.”

Conclusion: The key phrases here are “few, if any” and “off-course.” Not only do his fellow PGA Tour players respect him as an opponent, but they respect him even more as a human being.

Excerpt: “Phil Mickelson understands. He has made it his mission to carry on the legacy set forth by the landmark players before him. Times have changed and golf has become more popular than ever. But to Phil, as with every true competitor and champion, winning is the ultimate measuring stick. But winning with class, humility, integrity and a true respect for one’s place in history is what moves one from greatness to legendary.”

Conclusion: Phil isn’t merely one of golf’s greatest players; he’s also one of the most humble. We know that because he respects his own place in history and he won’t be satisfied until he’s a legend.

Excerpt: “Mickelson has grown from the All-American boy into a well-rounded role model and family man. The birth of his daughter, Amanda Brynn, the day after his runner-up finish at the 1999 U.S. Open has brought new perspective to Mickelson’s life. While winning continues to be the priority on the course and a hunger still remains for making his imprint on golf history, being a great father to his three children (Amanda, Sophia and Evan) continues to deliver the most satisfaction.”

Conclusion: Readers, draw your own.

11 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: RonMon [Visitor] · http://travelgolf.com/blogs/ron.mon

Draw it with a brush, Al. What would you have him do on his site, live video feed from the confessional? I can see the read now: Bless me Father, for I have sinned. So that all golf fans know my inner soul, this is what I have done. Whether or not the information is true is irrelevant. A website is a part of the PR machine, so be the subject Tiger, Ernie, Annika, Paula, Thongchai, KJ, or Phil, the text will always be flattering.

Permalink 2006-02-06 @ 08:02

Comment from: Tony [Visitor]

Phil has fooled a lot of people. Five to six years ago, his stated goals were to be #1, POY, win the money title. Then, after several smack downs by Woods, Phil figured out he could surrender and still cash-in. That's when he became a family-man and proclaimed "winning isn't everything". He saw a mountain, Woods, he couldn't climb but in today's conservation, christian, family values culture, he figured he could still cash-in, hang out at the buffet adding a cup-size and play occassionally because he wants to spend time with his family. Being the best at your profession and the best family man are not mutually exclusive--Phil has surrendered.

Permalink 2006-02-06 @ 11:31

Comment from: jon [Visitor]

One can't fault a pro athlete for marketing himself. But to claim that Phi is the most humble and most respected person in the PGA is really stretching it, if not outright lying. He has a great short game and lousy drives. He looks good on TV but he is probably the least liked guy on PGA. I remember when Johnny Miller was asked about Mickelson, he started to sing "Horray to Hollywood" outloud. Phil probably thinks all the fans are suckers and he is just way too smart for the fans. The media is steering clear of him too.

Permalink 2006-02-06 @ 17:49

Comment from: Under Par [Visitor]

Tony,

Please, there is no prevailing "Christian, family values culture" in our country; we're as decadent and liberal as can be. How many more "Gay Pride" parades and condoms on cucumbers in schools is it going to take for you to realize that?

If you like the leftist paradigm and libertine mores that have become the norm, that's your business. But please don't try to tell me that I'm living in a Christian theocracy when liberalism holds sway at every turn. Sheesh!

Permalink 2006-02-07 @ 03:06

Comment from: Tony [Visitor]

Wake up Under-Par,

In case you haven't noticed, we are a country divided. I think you have noticed--liberal vs conservative; red states vs. blue states; Fox News vs all other media...and so on. A familiar refrain that excuses scrutiny for anything is "I wanted to spend time with my family". Phil has marched that to the bank with endorsers like Ford. It's PC!

Permalink 2006-02-07 @ 08:08

Comment from: Under Par [Visitor]

Tony,

I'm awake (even at 3:00 AM). Tony, yes, we are a nation divided, but the divide isn't holy rollers vs. liberals. Rather, it's moderately conservative vs. liberals. Do you think that "red" America is a place where piety reigns supreme? Please. They're immersing themselves in the same decadent culture as everyone else.

I truly wish I could say it was otherwise, I really do. But it's not.

Permalink 2006-02-09 @ 03:08

Comment from: whatitis [Visitor]

You're wrong RonMon. Did you actually visit any of the websites you listed? I did. None of them are as pretentious as Mickelson's. Why don't you do some research first next time?

Permalink 2007-04-04 @ 17:13

Comment from: SMARTEST MAN ALIVE [Visitor]

YOU GUYS NEED TO STOP USING SUCH BIG WORDS!! I PREFER WE TALK ABOUT CHEESE. FETA, CHEDDAR, MAYBE EVEN COTTAGE CHEESE, THEY ALL TASTE GREAT!

FUNNY THING IS I HAVE A (PHD.FROM HARVARD.)

Permalink 2007-05-16 @ 17:40

Comment from: J Purtee [Visitor]

Nice reporting Al...you're another man making a living "talking" about the work/accomplishments other men/women make...while doing nothing yourself. Mr. Mickelson is a great golfer. No, he doesn't come over to my house for dinner...but I recognize and applaude his efforts.

Permalink 2009-03-31 @ 23:41

Comment from: Jake of Clubns [Visitor]

The best was when Amy was prego with baby #1 and he had his beeper. Well, it turns out she actually had contractions Saturday night and got some drugs to delay it. It isn't bad to delay it, but they why FIGJAM milked the beeper thing was ridiculous. It was Amy who delayed it and I am sure that she would want him to win and do everything she could to put it off, all that is fine but don't make such a big deal about it.

The point Tony made 3 years ago and was refuted by the Under Par was correct. What UP fails to see is the change in our culture where the heart on their sleeve evangelical Christian is no longer marginalized. For example, Jimmy Carter was a bit of an over the top Christian in his day but now that isn't even considered. For example, people can say they believe in creationism without being laughed out of the room.

The problem with these people, like UP, is that while they are more accepted now, it isn't enough, they will only be satisfied when everyone behaves just like them. Look at his response, criticizing everyone that does not fit into his ideal of a good life, i.e. Christian Conservatism. They have the whole thing worked out, because as soon as you criticize that particular behavior, they claim you are criticizing their religion and you are automatically the jerk. Or you can try the use Bible quotes against them and they will say you can't be a "Cut and Paste Evangelist" or that you can't take one line out of the Bible you have to read it all (although miraculously when they are doing it it is fine!)

Permalink 2009-06-20 @ 19:29

Comment from: Justin [Visitor]

Jake of Clubns says: "The problem with these people, like UP, is that while they are more accepted now, it isn't enough, they will only be satisfied when everyone behaves just like them. Look at his response, criticizing everyone that does not fit into his ideal of a good life, i.e. Christian Conservatism."

Yes, that's called witnessing. If your neighbor's house was on fire, you'd try to pull him out, right?

Not all of us pledge our lives to staying as close to the middle as possible.

Permalink 2009-07-20 @ 15:33

Bangkok Al

a WorldGolf.com Blog

TravelGolf.com’s Bangkok Al blogs about golf in Asia, Michelle Wie’s fashion sense and the tipping habits of Phil Mickelson and Bill Gates. He also sounds off on the shortage of showmanship on the PGA Tour, plus Rush Limbaugh.