Phil Mickelson brought home the trophy for his surprising win in the PGA Championship last Sunday. Mickelson became one of the oldest major champions winners in history at age 50. The record was previously held by Julius Boros, who was 48 when he won the 1968 PGA. It’s safe to say there might not have been many more popular major winners than Phil Mickelson.
Philip Alfred Mickelson was born June 16, 1970, nicknamed "Lefty", is an American professional golfer. He has won 45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013).
Phil Mickelson showed immense interest in golfing as a toddler. His parents, Phil and Mary, have often recounted the story of a young Mickelson running away from home at the age of three, telling neighbors he was going to the golf course. Mickelson began an amateur golfing career as a teen.His career began in earnest when he was at Arizona State, where he won three NCAA individual championships, before turning pro at age 22. Long known for his inability to win a major despite his elite skills, "Lefty" finally got the monkey off his back with a dramatic victory at the 2004 Masters, and went on to claim four more major championships over the following decade.
Some may wonder where Phil Mickelson earned his nickname "Lefty". The only thing he does left-handed is play golf. The legend goes that Phil was trying to be a “mirror-image” of his right-hand swinging father, so even though he does everything else right-handed, the lefty swing stuck. When your stronger lead arm prevents the club head from releasing, it leaves the club face more open and can cause the club to steep like Phil’s — which, for the average golfer who doesn’t have as much hand-eye coordination. It can also be the cause of your golf swing’s chicken wing — all of which is a recipe for a slice. Many more accomplished right-handed Lefty’s match-up this release with a stronger grip.
The next question is, will Phil Mickelson continue to ride out his legend?
Mickelson said it himself right after accepting the Wanamaker Trophy. “This is just an incredible feeling because I just believed that it was possible but yet everything was saying it wasn't. I hope that others find that inspiration. It might take a little extra work, a little bit harder effort to maintain physically or maintain the skills, but gosh, is it worth it in the end, and I'm so appreciative to be holding this Wanamaker Trophy.”
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