The Tiger And Phil Betting Banter Reminds Me Of A Similar Story With Me And Brett Hull

The best part of the Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson pressers yesterday was the playful banter between the superstars on the delicious possibility of agreeing to a match with money on the line. Even better would be their money on the line–with the proceeds going to charity.

The dynamic duo will be grouped with Rickie Fowler for the first two rounds at the Players Championship beginning on Thursday.

GolfWorld’s Brian Wacker reports on the exchange.

“As I look at the cover of the newspaper and the pairing is on there and the excitement that’s been going on around here, it gets me thinking, why don’t we just bypass all the ancillary stuff of a tournament and just go head-to-head and just have kind of a high-stake, winner-take-all match?” Mickelson reasoned. “Now, I don’t know if he wants a piece of me, but I just think it would be something that would be really fun for us to do.”

Woods’ response?

“I’m definitely not against that,” he said. “We’ll play for whatever makes him uncomfortable.”

Which reminded me of a similar experience when interviewing NHL Hall of Famer and golf nut Brett Hull for an AG cover story back in October 2003. He was playing with the Dallas Stars back then and we followed up the session with a round at Dallas National. Like most golfers, Hull enjoyed including a wager to enhance the interest–or in my case–anxiety.

Hull at the time was an excellent scratch golfer; me a decent 8. So we agreed to giving me four shots a side on his home course.

Hull: Let’s play for something.

Me: Uh, what do you have in mind as I contemplated large denominations leaving my wallet as I imploded under the pressure.

Hull: Whatever makes you nervous.

Me: Well, you no doubt have few more commas in your bank account so…

Hull: C’mon, whatever makes nervous.

Me: [bowing up] $100 Nassau?

Hull: Okay, I guess.

Me: However, if I win, you have to come and coach my son’s hockey practice.

Hull: What?!

Me: [grinning] Made you nervous huh?

I got the distinct impression he was more nervous than me over his potential payout. Hull grinded like crazy over a 10-footer on 18 to tie. He sank it but the look of relief was worth the adventure. Of course my son was crushed to hear he almost had Brett show up to a practice.

Anyway, a wagering match between Tiger and Phil would be must-see-TV at its smack-taking best. Let’s make this happen. Pretty please?