Phil Mickelson, the consummate golfer, has once again found himself in the race, standing just four strokes behind the leaders at LIV Hong Kong. With a score of three-under par, the American golf stalwart has shown that his game is far from over, even as he steps into his 50s. Mickelson’s determination to continue competing is unwavering, as the LIV Golf circuit continues to fuel his passion for the sport.
In recent times, the six-time major champion has not frequently found himself in a winning position at LIV, leading to speculations about a potential retirement. Yet, his recent performance in Hong Kong might quash such rumors. Mickelson’s game seems rejuvenated, a shift he attributes to a significant change in his golfing equipment.
Following his opening round in Hong Kong, Mickelson shed light on his switch to a more contemporary mallet-style putter from the traditional blade-style putter that fans have grown accustomed to seeing in his hands. He justified this change as a means to become ‘more instinctive’, harking back to his formative golfing years.
Mickelson elaborated, “I putt with more instinct rather than aim here, hit it here. So I kind of match up the speed.” The golf veteran credits Jon Yarbrough for this strategic change. Yarbrough, skilled in AimPoint, has been instrumental in helping Mickelson perceive the greens better, thereby improving his visual understanding of ball movement. This newfound understanding has been particularly beneficial on challenging greens, resulting in several successful putts.
Despite his winning record not being what it once was, Mickelson remains a fervent supporter of the LIV Golf circuit, often seen praising the PIF-backed tournament. In a recent conversation, the golfing ace spoke fondly of his experience with LIV, highlighting its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere compared to the PGA Tour.
Mickelson shared, “It’s much more relaxed to where the whole family comes, enjoys the experience. There’s a kid zone where if they get tired they can go lay down, they can play.” While he often promotes LIV, Mickelson’s competitive spirit is far from extinguished. He is eager to demonstrate his winning capabilities once more.
His performance in Hong Kong could be the turning point Mickelson has been looking for. If he continues to putt as effectively as he has been, he might soon find himself back in the coveted winner’s circle.