Phil Mickelson proved he can still compete at the top of the golfing world after landing the 2021 US PGA Championship and, after that sensational victory, we have profiled the legendary American known as “Lefty”.
If you asked anybody to name the first golfer that comes to mind, it is highly likely that Tiger Woods would be their answer, while the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer may soon follow.
But Mickelson would not be far behind after nearly 30 years on the professional circuit, building an army of loyal fans while his laidback personality means he is one of the most popular players on tour.
On Sunday, ‘Lefty’ made history at the 2021 US PGA Championship, becoming the oldest player to win a major at the age of 50 and, in the process, taking his major tally to six.
Mickelson’s place in the history books was already cemented before the success at Kiawah Island, having been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012, but that success on Sunday proves he can still compete with the very best and will do so until father time catches up with him.
Mickelson’s First Successes
After graduating from college in 1992, Mickelson turned professional that year, with his victory at the Northern Telecom Open as an amateur enabling him to skip Q-School.
Teaming up with Jim “Bones” Mackay as his caddy, the American soon started to collect titles and he won 12 before the turn of the Millennium.
The world number 32 proved he could compete with the best when he beat Woods in The Tour Championship in November 2000 before winning his first major four years later at the 2004 Masters.
Continued Success
Following his first major win, Mickelson refused to show any signs of slowing down and he picked up two more majors inside two years.
He won the 2005 PGA Championship after beating Thomas Bjorn and Steve Elkington by one shot, before then keeping South Africa’s Tim Clark at bay at the 2006 Masters – his second triumph at Augusta National.
The Players Championship, described as the unofficial fifth major, was added to Mickelson’s trophy cabinet in 2007, while he won six more titles before winning his third Green Jacket.
Mickelson Now
At 50, it seems nearly impossible that Mickelson is targeting further success on the PGA Tour, but he has already started preparing for the US Open. Lefty is 50/1 to win the tournament and, if he achieves this feat, he would complete the career Grand Slam in process.
His win at Kiawah Island in South Carolina on Sunday means he has now returned to the top 40 in the world rankings. That is Mickelson’s highest ranking in nearly two years and it proves he still has what it takes to win at the highest level.
The San Diego native will also tee off at The Open Championship at Royal St. George’s Golf Course in Surrey this summer, and punters can get the American to win at odds of 66/1.
Despite his age, Mickelson has worked tirelessly on his driving and fitness and is arguably in the best shape of his career.
He claims the extra work in the gym has paid dividends, while meditation has also helped on the mental side of things, and it would take a brave punter to back him to never win again on the PGA Tour.
*All Odds correct at time of writing