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Tiger needs to be more like Phil

Tiger Woods needs to keep a close eye on Phil Mickelson © Getty Images

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Tiger Woods is the bookmakers' favourite to win the Masters, but he's not the public's favourite to land the first Major of the year.

Woods faced the press on Monday for the first time since the scandal about his private life broke and played with the sort of straight bat that Geoffrey Boycott would have been proud of.

Actions will speak louder than words and during practice he has at least acknowledged the galleries, but the key will be how he handles himself on the course. Will we see the tantrums, swearing and club throwing of old or will he witness a rebirth?

We'll find out in the days, weeks and months ahead and we will find out, given the scrutiny he will be under. And while the spotlight will be on Woods, the man he could take a lesson from will be able to go about his business with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.

Phil Mickelson is a player Woods would do well to take a lesson from. The left hander has not been at his best this year, but it has not affected his demeanour in any way. Whether he shoots a 66 or 76, Mickelson will have a smile and a word for the fans and will spend endless time signing autographs.

Mickelson has had problems on his mind that would derail anyone, namely his wife's and mother's battles with cancer, but when he has been on the course he has carried himself impeccably. Woods has had problems to contend with, but all of his own doing, and his demeanour has always been poles apart from that of Mickelson.

An indication of the mindset of Mickelson, and what endears him to the public, is the events of the final round at the Houston Open. On the 14th hole, Mickelson summoned a spectator from the crowd to carry his clubs. The move initially raised eyebrows, but it swiftly emerged that the man in questions was Dr Tom Buchholz, a radiation oncologist who is treating Mickelson's wife and mother.

Buchholz, his family, and some work colleagues were Mickelson's guests at the event, but it was a remarkable gesture to hand him his bag for three holes - three holes that brought birdies.

Now we're not saying Woods should hand his bag to the doctor who has been treating him for his addiction problems, but if he wants to work his way into the hearts rather than the minds of golf fans he needs to show a human side.

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