Maginnes: Phil's reached new heights (literally)

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I am what some might consider a rounding American. During my playing career, my waistline changed almost as much as the size of the head on my driver. Remember, before he-who-dominates came onto the scene, only a few golfers sweated unnecessarily. That has certainly changed.

Is Phil Mickelson 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3? (Getty Images)

A rotund professional golfer is now a rarity but there are a few who hang onto their girth and wear it with pride. No one would ever say that Phil Mickelson fell into that category but there have been times in his career where he was closer to pear-shaped than he is today.

So let's just say that Phil was once a bit softer, but who am I to cast dispersions on the well-fed? He should take great pride in the fact that he has taken matters into his own hands. Like Lee Westwood, and the dozens of others who were once less athletic than they are today, will be happy to tell you, it is a lot more fun putting it on than it is taking it off.

But Phil said something last week at the Wachovia Championship that may have some of the PGA TOUR's more diminutive players hanging around his locker. Lefty said he had added an inch and a half to his putter because he felt like he had gotten taller with his new body.

That is right, taller -- this, in his late 30s. Now, I would love to talk to Phil about his physical fitness routine. And if he ever wanted to divulge some of the secrets that he and Dave Pelz discuss about the short game, I will be all ears. But taller? This is preposterous. In reality, when you lose weight, your posture doesn't fight your body as much and you can stand up straighter with greater ease.

Perhaps that is what Phil meant.

If Phil has found the secret to adult growth then he should get together with Fred Funk. I am not picking on Fred's height. A couple of years ago, Fred found the fountain of youth. He won't admit it, of course. He'll tell you that the reason he has been able to find so much success playing with the younger guys while rapidly gaining on a free cup of coffee with his breakfast is that he is a late bloomer.

Whatever it is that these two have found, imagine for a second that we could combine and market it. One pill a day will make you taller, skinnier and younger. Heck, this would be more popular than a pill that grew hair and improved your short game, although maybe Stan Utley and the guy from that Hair Club for Men should get together and work on it. I would certainly be a client.

The truth is that Phil, like so many other TOUR players, should be commended for their off-the-course efforts to improve their games and extend their careers. The image of golfers not being athletes is rapidly being dispelled through the efforts of players like Phil and Tiger. Besides, if these guys are working out and eating salads, there is more on the buffet for the rest of us.