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Three weeks ago, Phil Mickelson climbed to the podium at the Augusta National after just delivering Shock of the Year in professional golf.
At the time, it seemed even elephant He was surprised by the runner-up position in the Masters Tournament. Speaking before a small media meeting, he peered coyly through the wired edges of his gray spectacles, refusing to comment on the outcome of the tournament finishing a few feet away. He only took three questions after that – and only a handful more in a subsequent interview setting – showing only that he was encouraged during the week and grateful for the opportunity to continue competing at his age.
Three weeks later, reality seems to be setting in. At a pre-tournament press conference for this weekend’s LIV event in Singapore, the six-time major champion was excited about the state of his golf game and, in particular, what that means for his future major chances. When asked specifically how his Augusta finish would help future starts, Mickelson’s eyes lit up.
“It makes me 100 percent better and helps me 100 percent get back to the level of play that I think I can play,” he said. “I think I’ll give myself quite a few opportunities now at some of the major companies coming up.”
And what makes Phil feel good about the state of his game? Well, perhaps the better question is: what no?
“My game is on its way,” he said. “My driving is improving significantly, my posture is improving significantly, and my game areas are getting sharper. Although I haven’t had results for a long period of time, they are on an upward trend, and I look forward to adding to them this week.”
Of course, Mickelson is just three weeks away from a (possible) return to the PGA Championship, his first breakthrough at the event since winning it (also in spectacular fashion) in 2021. “Staying away” from the game and off on the PGA Tour.) After that , he will go to the US Open in Los Angeles, where he will face the opportunity to complete his Grand Slam career.
At 52 years old, he is far from a betting favourite. But he loves his chances.
“With so much golf coming up in the next three or four months, and so many great grand slam opportunities as my game approaches, I look forward to getting involved, competing, and competing in these events,” he said.
It would definitely be something if he were to compete, especially considering his best finish at any start last From the Masters tournament this year was the 16th last weekend in Australia.
It is possible, of course, that Mickelson’s game is really trending. It is possible for him to climb back onto the leaderboard during one of the four big weeks in golf. But even after his Augusta performance, it would still come as a surprise — a major surprise.
“Again, I have a unique opportunity to do things in a game later in life that there aren’t many because of the simple reason that I kept myself in good shape,” he said. “I’ve been fairly injury free and am able to work and practice the amount needed to play at a high level.”