The Real US Open Matchup Is Fan vs. Fan

Tiger devotees and Mickelson maniacs are polar opposites
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 12, 2008 12:17 PM CDT
The Real US Open Matchup Is Fan vs. Fan
Spectators attempt to shoot photos of golfers on the driving range during their practice for the US Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 in San Diego.    (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are as contrasting a pair as Coke and Pepsi, at least in terms of the following each draws, CBS Sportsline reports. The only sound that could drown out the "Mickelsonic boom" that has been following the San Diego native is the roar of excitement Tiger is accustomed to. Can the fan bases coexist this weekend?

Mickelson's supporters tend to be "golf people" who are devoted to the affable Lefty, while Woods' camp consists of a "broader spectrum of age and sex" drawn by his steely success, says US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy. As an analyst explains it, "Fans are in awe of Tiger. They are in love with Phil." (More golf stories.)

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