Phil Mickelson during his press conference at the US Open Monday.
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Phil Mickelson’s derring-do on the golf course – corner-cutting bombs, pine-splitting approaches, flop shots that descend with nose bleeds – has delivered some of his most captivating performances in front of a microphone or, more recently, on his phone’s keypad.
Where to begin? With his 2004 dismantling of losing US Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton (“we failed monumentally”)? With his 2013 dig at the California tax code (“it doesn’t work for me”)? With his 2014 takedown of losing US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson (“we have strayed from a winning formula”)? With his 2021 shot at the USGA for regulating driver shaft length (“stupid is as stupid does”)?
Oh, and let’s not forget this chestnut, in the run-up to the 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach: “I’ve played, what, 29 US Opens?” Mickelson said, reflecting on the setups at those events. “One hundred percent of the time they messed up if it doesn’t rain.”
You didn’t have to like Mickelson’s opinions – many didn’t – but in the buttoned-up world of golf you couldn’t help but respect his propensity for spilling them. At least, it made the game more fun and more interesting. More often than not, Mickelson gave fans something to buzz about and reporters something to write about. He couldn’t help himself. Opining, musing, pontificating, jousting, antagonizing – all were in his DNA.
Phil Mickelson is back taking questions, but he looks and sounds much different
Sean Zak
We’re employing the past tense here, because you’ve heard Mickelson in his last two press conferences – first at LIV Golf’s debut event, near London, last week, and second at his Monday session with reporters at the US Open this week – you’ve surely noticed a marked change in the man, and not just because he’s bearded, hatless and sponsor-less. Gone is the pep, the bluster, the mischievous glint in his eyes. He’s somber, subdued and, above all, cautious.
Since returning from his exile, Mickelson has been reluctant to talk about, well, much of anything. Words come out of his mouth, but they’re devoid of any real substance. That’s by design, of course. Running his mouth is what landed Mickelson in this strange purgatory in the first place.
“I have had strong opinions and ideas, let’s say that,” Mickelson said Monday, echoing similar remarks he made last week. “I’ve made it public, and that’s been a mistake. That’s one of the mistakes I’ve made. ” Moving forward, he added, he’s aiming to “be a lot more thoughtful with my words and actions and try to keep a lot of those things behind closed doors.”
Mickelson started his press conference at The Country Club with an opening statement, as if he was a defendant on trial, which in a way he was. He has said that the last four months have been “necessary time” to reflect on his missteps. He thanked the Tour for “the many opportunities it has provided me.” He said how excited he was to get back at the historic Country Club. Looking out a tent with reporters jammed shoulder to shoulder, Mickelson concluded with, “Any questions?”
LOL, yeah, Phil, just a few.
Mickelson answered 30 questions Monday, exactly one of which was about the US Open. Mickelson visibly uncomfortable and / or agitated. How would he explain his Saudi business partnership to the families of 9/11 victims? What kind of response do you think it has betrayed them? Does he feel like he needs to apologize for joining LIV? No one interested in the thickness of the rough.
Mickelson played defense defense, replying with some combination of half- and non-answers. One question he felt was better approved for LIV executives, another for the USGA. On several occasions, he admonished reporters for asking two-part questions. “I don’t like it when you keep asking multiple questions,” he said. When asked if maybe he’s been criticized, Mickelson said, “That’s not necessarily for me to say.”
Phil Mickelson responds to harsh rebuke from 9/11 coalition
Sean Zak
He wasn’t on LIV turf anymore, but the media training he had received in London last week was clearly still top of mind.
Mickelson used the word respect 15 times, as in: “I certainly respect Rory. I respect his ideas. I respect all the players who choose to stay on the PGA Tour. ” He also leaned on appreciative and appreciation, employing them twice each. When you’re trying to mend bridges.
Give Mickelson credit for admitting LIV’s “incredible financial commitment” was one of the carrots that drew him to the new league; not all LIV players have spoken that truth so plainly. He also did a new opinion, when asked why he wants to continue to have the right to play on the PGA Tour.
“I’ve worked hard to earn a lifetime membership,” Mickelson said. “I’ve worked hard to give the PGA Tour and the game of golf throughout my 30 plus years of professional golf, and I’ve earned that lifetime membership, so I believe that should be my choice.”
We’ve seen the last of Mickelson in non-LIV press tents; he will continue to play in the majors – at least as long as he’s allowed to – and, who knows, maybe contend in a couple more. It’s not inconceivable that Mickelson could conjure his green jacket-winning magic one final time, hitting bombs above the pines and one-hop-and-stopping wedges into Augusta’s slippery greens.
Of course seeing the Mickelson of old and goodsing from him are two very different things.
