An alternative look at the Tiger vs Phil in a winner-takes-all grudge match

Who has got the celebrations down?

You would imagine that both men would look fairly uncomfortable on the dance floor but what are they like when that key 25-footer goes underground?

I get quite moved when Mickelson gives it the aggressive fist pump and when he’s right in the bubble. Think of Stenson at Troon, I find him fascinating.

As for Tiger, we’ve all lost count of the number of fist pumps and fist slams and it still looks good every time.

So, as a decider, let’s think of the really huge moments and your mind might easily drift to Phil’s star jump on the 18th at Augusta in 2004. Fair play it might give you the chance of a first major but it wouldn’t look out of place at some middle-aged men’s boot camp at the local park.

Phil also tends to get involved in some cringey Ryder Cup merriment with team-mates half his age.

Tiger 3 Phil 2

Who would you rather have as your Ryder Cup partner?

Let’s be honest you’d be pretty happy – or completely terrified – by the prospect of partnering either of these two.

With Tiger there is the chance that his mere presence will give you a point while Mickelson holing out from a bunker you’ve just put him in is a fairly tasty prospect.

For general chit-chat and his ability to put an arm round his wing man I’d always go with Mickelson.

Tiger 3 Phil 3

Who’s got the better mates?

For far too long it was just Mark O’Meara’s name which cropped up when discussing Tiger’s buddies. These days he seems to be the go-to guy on tour with practice rounds with all and sundry and the sounding board to the latest generation of superstars.

For all we know Mickelson, another founding father of the US task farce, might be the same. Who knows who is actually mates with who (I hope to god the Thomas-Spieth thing is genuine) but I love the thought of Woods being pally with Stricker and my second favourite American golfer Jim Furyk. (Since you ask, David Duval is No. 1 by some distance.)

Tiger 4 Phil 3

Can I have your autograph? You got it

Only one winner here. Phil is always happy to put pen to paper but should you shove a golf ball in his face then don’t expect to get anything back.

Supposedly he has signed a number of balls but just for each of his children and he keeps the balls locked away in the hope that they will be worth plenty for them in the future.

So if you’ve got a ball signed by Lefty the chances are that it is false.

Tiger 4 Phil 4

Playing by the rules

Tiger’s had his dabbles with the rules (Augusta 2013 and, err, I can’t think of any other incidents) but for what Mickelson did at Shinnecock Hills last month tips the balance way in Tiger’s way.

Call me old fashioned, chide me if you will, but the hit-on-the-move fiasco, the faux celebrations the following day, and the rubbish apology still leave me cold.

Final score Tiger 5 Phil 4