I'd been impressed with Mickelson's approach this week. He's had enough success against Woods to eliminate any intimidation factor. Moreover, Mickelson has tightened his game to major-championship caliber. Confidence resonated during his interview-room appearances. One thing he hasn't eliminated is the tendency to interrupt stretches of superb play with holes that should be X-rated.
Double bogeys can take the juice out of a round.
The young Tiger Woods followed a similar pattern, but no more. Mickelson's lapses yesterday were mostly with the blade. He'd have a lovely roll on one hole, then misguide an easier putt on the next. At No. 6, for example, the bogey came on a miss from inside 3 feet. I didn't feel bad with the putter today, but it seemed like I was on a roller coaster.