"The ivory-toothed Mickelson is Mr Middle America, but it may just be that Rory McIlroy is now the third most popular current golfer in the land."

That land would be...not Ireland...yep, America!

At least, if you see what the Euro press contingent has to say.

Now I've acknowledged Rory's talent and perfect swing along with his refreshing humility in an era of spoiled brats, but some of the lads are starting to lose focus here.

Now, Brian Keogh is exempt because he writes for the Irish Times and is expected to report on his man.

Lawrence Donegan receives a final commissioner's exemption because he did not file Sunday after Tiger blessed the chosen one.

But then there's the headline to Mark Reason's final round WGC CA Championship game story: Tiger Woods raves about Rory McIlroy as Phil Mickelson wins

One can't blame the headline writer after reading Reason's story:

It's seldom easy with Mickelson, but the Phillibuster crunched a superlative drive down Doral's brutal final hole and then nearly holed his second shot to close out victory with a touch of class.

The ivory-toothed Mickelson is Mr Middle America, but it may just be that Rory McIlroy is now the third most popular current golfer in the land. McIlroy had slipped out of contention in the final round, but still NBC was showing shots of the 19-year-old. That is the sort of obsessive coverage usually reserved for only Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

Deep breaths people, deep breaths.

Speaking of NBC coverage that featured several compelling moments, including more epic sound crew work capturing the Bones-Mickelson conversation on No. 12, the SI Golf Group files their weekly serial novel and while I think they read way too much into the Jimmy Roberts-Tiger Woods interview, they do highlight what was one of the more uncomfortable Johnny Miller moments in a day filled with them. Damon Hack writes:

Lots to chew on this week, including a juicy on-air back and forth between Johnny Miller and Roger Maltbiegame's best player. Johnny said if Phil is hitting it 300 yards and straight, he's the best player in the world. Roger said he knew a guy who could beat him — last name Woods. 

There is a need for entertaining give and take, something sorely missing since the demise of ABC's Faldo-Zinger-Tirico setup). But this was downright awkward, with Maltbie actually making sure to not to let Johnny's comment go. Great TV moment for us at home, yet the tone seemed to say: Johnny, you are really out of touch and I'm not going to let you embarrass the rest of us.