I understand what used to be the traditional opening tournaments in Hawaii in January, especially when you’re back in my old neck of the woods and already tired of the cold and the snow. I don’t understand all those late-2013 “wrap around” events to start the 2013-2014 PGA Tour season – to me they’re played by a bunch of nobodies in places no one cares about once football begins. Like the Miami Vice seasons 4 and 5 – they’re just trying to keep the do-re-mi coming in as long as before the public loses interest entirely.

While I love Adam Scott’s game and enjoy watching him play, fact is, until one of the two big dogs in the room (i.e. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson) come out of hibernation, it just doesn’t feel like a new golf year. Fortunately, Phil has emerged from his off-season and is raring to go, big time:

“As I look back on 2013 I played some of my best golf and had some huge breakthroughs but I did most of it without a driver,” the American left-hander told reporters on Tuesday.

“This year I have the best driver I’ve ever hit that lowers my spin rate just like my three-wood. I drive it longer and straighter with my driver than I did with my three-wood.

“It’s a whole different weapon in my arsenal now and if I drive the ball well, like I have been in practice and in the off-season, heading into this 2014 season it could be the best year of my career for that simple reason.”

This week Phil, next week Tiger tees it up for the first time this year at Torrey Pines. Which means, golf season is once again upon us. Look, no disrespect meant to the Harris Englishes and Jimmy Walkers of the world – they’re fine players. But people want to see Rory, Jason, Keegan, Rickie, and most especially, Tiger and Phil. That’s just the way it is.

Me, I know exactly how Phil feels because, like him, I’m excited about the the new year and the possibilities that lie ahead. I’m hitting the ball off the tee better and longer than I ever have, and I too have a new weapon at my disposal (my 60-degree lob wedge) that I just love. It’s already saved be about ten strokes over the last two rounds I’ve played, and I’m still getting the feel of it.

Bottom line: If Phil’s excited, that gets me excited. I sure hope all his confidence is justified; I know the folks around here can’t wait to see him tee it up again at the Waste Management Phoenix Open here in just a few weeks’ time.