Phil Mickelson is seemingly recognizing that retirement is coming sooner rather than later.
Like every great athlete, Mickelson struggles to even say the words in an upcoming episode of Latitude with Haslinda Amin.
“I’m 53 now, and my career, you know, it’s – if I’m being truthful, it’s on – it’s – it’s – I’m a – it’s towards its end,” Mickelson laments.
“Now, I would like to help others find the same enjoyment and fulfillment that the game of golf has provided me.”
That sounds like a man deep into the sunset of his golf career. And what a career it has been. Rather than sulk, let’s find that same level of enjoyment and fulfillment by looking back on his tremendous career moments.
Here are Phil Mickelson’s 5 greatest moments during his golf career.
2004 Masters
Of course, a list of the greatest moments of Phil Mickelson’s career has to include his first major championship. And what a place for it to happen – the 2004 Masters.
For so many years, Phil Mickelson was known as the greatest golfer to never win a major tournament. His luck, however, was finally about to change.
Having earned a tie atop the leaderboard with Ernie Els heading into the final hole, Mickelson hit his approach shot onto the green but was still left with a lengthy 18-foot putt.
Mickelson struck the ball and as it approached the cup, commentator Jim Nantz asked what everybody was thinking: “Is it his time?”
The ball caught the left edge of the hole and managed to roll in the side for an incredible victory. Nantz then answered his own question shouting, “Yes! At long last!”
Mickelson’s emotions came out as well as he leaped into the air to celebrate his first green jacket. He would go on to win a total of 3 Masters tournaments and 6 majors overall.
2021 PGA Championship
Phil Mickelson’s performance in the 2021 PGA Championship is an all-time golf feat, if not an all-timer for sports in general.
And it gave hope to all of us old guys and gals out there still willing to take “a good walk spoiled” as the years go by.
At the age of 50, Mickelson made history by becoming the oldest major winner in history. Technically, he was 50 years and 11 months at the time.
Mickelson actually lost the lead early on in the final round before recovering with a birdie on the par-five second hole. He then holed out from a sandy area at the par-three fifth, and was off and running.
Mickelson finished -6 for the tournament, two strokes ahead of runners-up Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen.
The victory solidified his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time and showcased his enduring skill and competitive spirit.
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2013 Open Championship
Phil Mickelson won the 2013 Open Championship, his first and only Claret Jug, at Muirfield, Scotland.
He shot a final round 66, the week’s low round, to finish three under par and secure a three-shot victory.
It was a testament to his ability to adapt and excel in different conditions and courses, fleshing out his majors resume and leaving the US Open as the only title to elude him in his career (He finished 2nd or tied for 2nd a remarkable six times in the US Open).
This Open Championship win was significant for Mickelson, marking his fifth major title and coming after he had won the Scottish Open the week before.
He made a remarkable comeback on the final day, moving from five strokes back to clinch the title. Where others above him on the leaderboard were faltering – including Tiger Woods (74), Lee Westwood (75), and Hunter Mahan (75) – ‘Lefty’ was excelling.
Mickelson would shoot a blistering final round to win going away by three strokes. He referred to it at the time as “one of the best rounds of my career.”
2006 BellSouth Classic
Phil Mickelson won the BellSouth Classic in 2006 and appeared to be in video game mode. He squeaked by José María Olazábal and Zach Johnson by … a staggering 13 strokes.
He finished off the course in Atlanta with a final score of 28 – 28! – under par.
The scariest part? He was using the tournament as a tune-up for the Masters the following week, using two drivers to prepare for his next major. The Augusta National Golf Club had lengthened the course by 155 yards in 2006.
Guess what? It worked. Mickelson used the momentum he developed at the BellSouth Classic to win the second of his three Masters and second consecutive major at the time.
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2010 Masters
Phil Mickelson won the 2010 Masters by three strokes over Lee Westwood after trailing him by a shot heading into the final round.
This victory marked his third green jacket, making him just the fifth man to achieve this feat. But he achieved this historic win by playing in a very Mickelson-esque manner.
He made several remarkable shots, including a crucial birdie on the 13th hole, which was pivotal in securing his win. It was one of the most brilliant shots of his career.
Mickelson’s tee shot found straw to the right of the fairway behind two trees. His lead was in jeopardy.
Undaunted, Mickelson played a remarkable 6-iron from 207 yards, between the trees. His ball landed just beyond Rae’s Creek in front of the green and rolled up to just four feet from the hole.
Even after having to two-putt from that short distance, it was clear – Mickelson had seized momentum for good.
The victory was particularly significant due to the emotional context surrounding it. Mickelson’s family, including his wife, battling cancer at the time, and his three kids were present to witness his triumph.
“To have Amy and my kids here to share it with, I can’t put into words,” Mickelson said.