USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Phil Mickelson on the 14th tee during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Phil Mickelson on the 14th tee during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
It has been announced that the legendary American professional golfer Phil Mickelson will serve as the vice-captain at the Ryder Cup 2020. This will be his record 13th consecutive appearance at the Cup and his first as a non-playing member.
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA; Phil Mickelson poses for a portrait with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
At 51, not many thought Phil Mickelson had fire left in him, and hence the question of him making the team for the Ryder Cup was not a substantial one. However, with his victory at the 2021 PGA Championship, he became the oldest man to win a major championship title. With this, he reaffirmed his status as one of the best.
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Still, however, competing against the younger champions, Mickelson was not a favorite pick. U.S. Captain Steve Stricker opted to pick him for the squad as a vice-captain alongside Fred Couples. This will be the first time since 1993 that he will not be part of the playing team.
✌️ legends, 17 combined @RyderCup appearances.
Welcome back to our newest #USTeam Vice Captains, @fredcouplesgolf & @PhilMickelson 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Nw5xSfMKqZ
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 1, 2021
In an interview after announcing his picks, Stricker said, “I’ve been staying in close contact with both Freddie and Phil, talking about all things Ryder Cup, for a while now. They provide honest and impactful feedback, and both have such a passion for the Ryder Cup. I’m honored that they were willing to join our team and help put us in the best position to win in a few weeks at Whistling Straits.”
How the current U.S. team stacks up against Phil Mickelson
Golf reporter Justin Ray took to Twitter to share his views. He brought up the fact that three of the current Team USA weren’t even born in 1993, during the week when Mickelson played his first cup! Moreover, Dustin Johnson, the oldest of the playing team at 37, was only 11 years old at that time.
This is the first U.S. Ryder Cup team without Phil Mickelson playing since 1993. Three of this year’s American players weren’t born yet that week. Bryson was 10 days old.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 8, 2021
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With varying opinions on this year’s team, we can only hope that Team USA puts up a stiff competition against the defending champions at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, between September 25-27. With solid players on both sides, which team do you think will enter with an advantage?
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