Since his professional debut in 1996, Tiger Woods has been a formidable force in the world of golf, often overshadowing his fierce rival, Phil Mickelson. With Woods’ early success, Mickelson’s nine titles prior to Woods’ entry into the professional circuit often seemed like a distant memory. However, with Woods currently off the greens due to a series of unfortunate events including an injury and the sudden passing of his mother, Mickelson is once again in the spotlight.
At 56, Mickelson, who has had his fair share of struggles since joining LIV Golf, is currently defying critics with a promising comeback. Despite just one top-10 finish in each of the last three LIV Golf seasons, Mickelson is showing signs of a resurgence. His recent performances at the Adelaide and Hong Kong tournaments, where he finished in the T23 and third positions respectively, suggest a turn in his fortunes.
In a conversation with Mike McAllister, Mickelson expressed confidence in his game, stating, “I’m hitting a lot of good shots. I’m playing some good golf. This is a building week as I continue to build into LIV and my goal of accomplishing a win in LIV as well as winning another major and getting ready for Augusta.” Mickelson, who last won a major championship in 2021 at the PGA Championship, and his last Masters victory dating back to 2010, is now eyeing another win at the prestigious tournament.
This potential comeback has not gone unnoticed. During a discussion on the Fore Play Podcast, panellists Trent Ryan and Samuel Riggs brought attention to Mickelson’s impressive performance at LIV Golf. They highlighted his triumph over big names in the sport, including Jon Rahm. The pair expressed their excitement at the prospect of Mickelson being a serious contender at the Masters, noting it would make for an exhilarating tournament. Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and a runner-up in 2023, is indeed a strong favourite, and his return to form only heightens the anticipation for his comeback.
Ryan lauded Mickelson, stating, “Phil is Phil. He’s one of the most interesting guys to ever pick up a golf club both on and off the golf course, so I want him involved for as long as he can be involved because he’s just inherently interesting.” Mickelson, apart from his 57 professional wins, has also been captivating audiences off the course, recently featuring in a series of 2 vs 2 golf match play videos, the latest of which included John Daly.
Despite facing speculation of retirement amidst a career decline, Mickelson remains focused on improving his game. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, he revealed his comprehensive plan to fine-tune all aspects of his game, from driving and speed to putting and his short game. His hard work seems to be paying off, as evidenced by his performance at the Hong Kong event where he recorded seven birdies in each round.
With his renewed form and determination to defy the odds, Mickelson is setting his sights on winning the Masters again. As the golf world holds its breath, the question remains: Will Mickelson seize the opportunity to take home another green jacket this year? Share your predictions in the comments below.
