For most, being picked for the Presidents Cup at the age of 47 would be a dream come true. For Phil Mickelson, it is the latest chapter in a storied career.
Despite not winning an event since his 2013 Open victory, Mickelson has shown over the ensuing four years that there is still life in the old dog yet.
At last years Open at Royal Troon, he shot a sensational final round 65 that would have won him his second claret jug were it not for a nine-under par blitz by eventual winner Henrik Stenson.
This year, Mickelson has been a model of consistency. Five top-10s and 12 top-25s in 21 events has the San Diegan placed 36th on the FedexCup standings with two playoff events remaining.
Though he finished the qualification period for the Presidents Cup ranked 15th, US captain Steve Stricker’s decision to select Mickelson was a no-brainer given that he hasn’t missed a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup since 1994.
‘We all know what Phil brings to the table. He’s been on 20-plus teams. He’s an important part of all these teams. He, too, is starting to play better. He guarantees me he’s on the right track,’ Stricker told Golf Digest.
With him, the five-time major champion brings a wealth of experience to the 2017 US side. The left-hander boasts a 23-16-12 record. Put into perspective, the other 11 players hold a combined record of 15-20-4.
Being the only player to play every PresidentsCup since the tournament’s inception, Mickelson’s mentorship and guidance will play a pivotal role in a US team that has no fewer than six rookies in its ranks.
Even after having seen it all before, Mickelson is as excited for this year’s edition as he was for his debut for the red, white and blue.
‘My excitement to be on this team is as great as it’s been for any team I’ve been on. “It means a lot to me. What means a lot to me this year is that they wanted me there even though I didn’t get the spot on my own,’ Mickelson said.
‘I really love being around these guys. I respect how great they are. This is a special team and to be a part of it is very meaningful to me.’
After a barren few months, ‘Lefty’ is rounding into form at just the right time, recording a T-6 at last week’s Dell Technologies Championsip — his first top-10 since March. With two weeks of the playoffs remaining, Mickelson has some more time to fine tune his game ahead of the event beginning on 28 September at Liberty National.
David Feherty once likened Mickelson’s swing to a drunk man trying to catch a balloon at the edge of a cliff. But it is these erratic tendencies and a short-game that is almost other-worldly which has earned Mickelson the nickname ‘Phil the thrill’.
Expect large galleries and inane shouts of ‘get in the hole!!’ as Mickelson continues to prove that age is but a number.
Photo: Callaway Golf
Free Drop Media 