After Getting Embarrassed at the Hands of Europeans, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s Infamous Pairing Was an Attempt to Make Them ‘Friends,’ Former Ryder Cup Captain Hal Sutton Once Clarified

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both probably among the best golfers of all time. Their skill at the game is incomparable. Now, imagine if they pair up and play together. Wouldn’t it be wonderful? Well, the 2018 Ryder Cup did draw both the players closer to one another. However, things haven’t always been the same.

Mickelson and Woods were paired up for two matches during the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan. Hal Sutton, the captain during the championship, was behind the pairing of this duo. However, the result of the game was not what everyone expected, and the guns were pointed at Hal for it.

The aftermath of Hal’s attempts of befriending Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson

Hal Sutton, a 14-time PGA Tour winner, was the captain during the 2004 Ryder Cup. The golfing sensation made a conscious attempt of igniting the spark of a new bond between Woods and Mickelson.

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Tiger and Phil were a surprise team at that Ryder Cup. However, the duo did not get enough time to practice and ended up losing the match. When all was done, Sutton’s decision to pair up the famous players was heavily criticized.

The game was termed the worst U.S. Ryder Cup defeat at the time. Even Phil Mickelson was not far behind in pointing his finger at Hal. However, Mickelson soon apologized.

Phil said, “I was totally in the wrong. I never should have brought that up. I used an extreme example of the way decisions can affect play, and I never should have done that, because it affected Hal.”

Sutton was also not far behind in explaining the reason behind his decision. He said, “You know, Arnold [Palmer] and Jack [Nicklaus] didn’t start out to be the best of friends. There was kind of a dethroning going on there. They ended up being great friends. I felt like the world of golf would be better off if Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson became friends, and I felt like if they played together, had fun, and beat somebody, they would end up being friends.

He continued, “They didn’t beat anybody. It couldn’t be their fault. It had to be Hal Sutton’s fault.”

Even though Sutton failed in his attempts back then, Woods and Mickelson eventually grew to become friends later. The duo now share a close relationship with one another.

Tiger or Jack: Who is really better?

As hard as this choice is, the golf legends were once made to pick. This question posed a big dilemma for both parties. However, the way they handled it made all the difference.

In a recent interview, Tiger Woods was asked, “Jack or Tiger?” He responded by saying his own name. The pro golfer reasoned it out saying one has to believe in themselves.

Truly, as overrated as it sounds, self-confidence is the key to success. Especially in the field of sports, it is crucial to remain sure of yourself.

When Jack Nicklaus was asked the same question, his answer was equally impressive. The legendary golfer said, “Well, I would say exactly the same thing.”

Both the players are truly the gems of their generations. It is an inspiration to see how emanating their self-confidence truly is.

What do you think about this interview? Share your views in the comments section below.

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