Not only did the best golfer on the planet not make a run at the lead, he didn't even win his group. Mickelson, one of the few who can drive the ball as far as Woods, shot a 65 for a 205 total. Chris Perry, who shot a 65 for a 201 total, took a one-stroke lead over Rocco Mediate into Sunday's final round. Woods, six strokes off the pace, didn't seem worried. This is, after all, the Buick Open.
Next week is the right time.
Which isn't to say he isn't trying to win this week. A three-putt first green set the tone for Woods. Mickelson, meanwhile, birdied the first four holes. That got the crowd into it. That's why I started cheering for Mickelson.