Phil Mickelson

Personal Profile About Phil Mickelson

Introduction: The Legend of “Lefty”

Phil Mickelson, affectionately known to millions as “Lefty,” is one of the most captivating and talented golfers of his generation. For over three decades, his high-risk, high-reward style of play and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite around the world.

With a dazzling short game and a knack for creating magical moments, Mickelson has built a legacy that includes major championships, countless PGA Tour victories, and a place among golf’s all-time greats. This is the complete story of the man who dared to be different and thrilled us every step of the way.

Early Life and Background: A Star is Born

Philip Alfred Mickelson was born in San Diego, California, to Philip Mickelson Sr., an airline pilot, and Mary Mickelson. His journey into golf began at an astonishingly young age. With a golf club in hand before he could even walk properly, the toddler would spend hours in his backyard, learning the game.

Interestingly, Phil is naturally right-handed. He only started playing left-handed by mirroring his father’s swing. This unique start was the first sign of the unconventional genius that would later define his career.

His talent was undeniable. As a junior golfer in San Diego, he won an incredible 34 titles. This early dominance was a clear indicator of the greatness to come.

A Legendary Amateur Career

Mickelson’s success skyrocketed when he attended Arizona State University on a full golf scholarship. His collegiate career is arguably one of the greatest in the history of amateur golf.

• NCAA Championships: He won three NCAA individual championships (1989, 1990, 1992), joining Ben Crenshaw as one of only two golfers to achieve this feat at the time.
• Haskins Award: He was awarded the Haskins Award for the most outstanding collegiate golfer three times (1990, 1991, 1992).
• A Historic PGA Tour Win: In 1991, while still an amateur, Mickelson achieved the unthinkable. He won the Northern Telecom Open in Tucson, Arizona, becoming only the sixth amateur ever to win a PGA Tour event.

This stunning victory confirmed his readiness for the professional stage. He turned pro in 1992, graduating from college the same year with a degree in psychology.

Professional Career: Chasing Greatness

Mickelson’s professional career has been a rollercoaster of thrilling victories, heartbreaking near-misses, and incredible longevity. He quickly established himself as one of the best players on tour, but a major championship remained elusive for years.

The Major Breakthrough:

For over a decade, Phil was known as the “best player to have never won a major.” That all changed at the 2004 Masters. In a legendary final-round duel with Ernie Els, Mickelson birdied the 18th hole to finally capture the coveted Green Jacket. The iconic leap he made on the green remains one of golf’s most memorable moments.

Major Championships Won:

• The Masters: 2004, 2006, 2010
• PGA Championship: 2005, 2021
• The Open Championship: 2013

His victory at the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island was truly historic. At 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days old, he became the oldest major champion in golf history, proving that “Phil the Thrill” could still compete at the highest level.

Career Stats and Records

• PGA Tour Wins: 45 (9th all-time)
• European Tour Wins: 10
• Major Wins: 6
• World Golf Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2012
• Lowest Round: 59 (at the 2013 Waste Management Phoenix Open)
• Ryder Cup Appearances: A record 12 appearances for Team USA.

Playing Style: The Ultimate Entertainer

Mickelson’s playing style can be summed up in one word: aggressive. He is a gambler on the course, always willing to take on a risky shot for a greater reward. This approach doesn’t always pay off, but when it does, it’s spectacular.

Key Strengths:

• The Short Game: Phil possesses arguably the greatest short game in golf history. His creativity around the greens is unparalleled.
• The Flop Shot: He is the master of the high, soft-landing flop shot—a shot so difficult that few other pros would dare attempt it in a pressure situation.
• Putting: A confident and often clutch putter, especially in his prime.
• Power and Finesse: He combines impressive length off the tee with a delicate touch, making him a threat on any type of course.

His fearless approach has led to stunning victories but also some famous collapses, most notably his runner-up finish at the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, the one major that has eluded him.

Personal Life: Family and Controversies

Family has always been the cornerstone of Phil’s life. He married his college sweetheart, Amy McBride, in 1996. They have three children: Amanda, Sophia, and Evan.

Amy’s battle with breast cancer in 2009 was a major public story. Phil suspended his PGA Tour schedule to be by her side, and his emotional victory at the 2010 Masters, with Amy there to greet him, was a powerful moment.

In recent years, Mickelson has also been a central figure in the sport’s biggest controversy—the emergence of the LIV Golf League. His decision to join the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 sent shockwaves through the golf world, leading to his suspension from the PGA Tour and a heated debate about the future of professional golf.

Earnings and Net Worth

Phil Mickelson is one of the highest-earning athletes of all time. His financial success comes from a combination of on-course winnings and massive endorsement deals.

• PGA Tour Career Earnings: Over $96 million
• LIV Golf Contract (Reported): An estimated $200 million
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $300-$400 million

He has had long-standing partnerships with brands like Callaway, KPMG, Rolex, and Workday. His move to LIV Golf significantly increased his career earnings, placing him in a very exclusive financial club.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many major championships has Phil Mickelson won?

Phil Mickelson has won six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013).

Q2: Why is Phil Mickelson called “Lefty”?

He is called “Lefty” because he plays golf left-handed. However, he is naturally right-handed in everything else he does. He learned to swing left-handed by mirroring his right-handed father’s golf swing as a toddler.

Q3: What is Phil Mickelson’s most famous shot?

While his 18th-hole birdie putt to win the 2004 Masters is iconic, his most famous type of shot is the “flop shot.” He is a wizard with his wedges and can hit incredibly high, soft shots from tight lies around the green that few other players can execute.

Q4: Did Phil Mickelson complete the career Grand Slam?

No, Phil Mickelson has not completed the career Grand Slam. He has won three of the four majors but has famously finished runner-up a record six times at the U.S. Open, the one major he needs to complete the slam.