’Not Like It Used to Be’: Following His $200 Million Move, Phil Mickelson Reflects on the ‘Hard’ Reality of Playing in the Masters

Six-time Major champion Phil Mickelson has been quite quiet on the course ever since signing a whopping $200 million contract with LIV Golf and jumping ship. With average performances on the breakaway tour and no wins, golf fans seem to have forgotten about him. However, ‘Lefty’ has a chance to change things around as he returns to what has been a happy hunting ground for him. As the year’s first major event approaches, the three-time Master’s champion wants to show that he isn’t one to be counted out.

Ahead of the tournament, Phil Mickelson returned to the Augusta National Golf Club and placed himself back on the radar of the PGA Tour fans. The six-time Major Champion’s latest experience on the greens reminded him of the difficulties pros face while moving from Tea Olive to Holly.

Phil Mickelson visits Augusta National after years

Taking advantage of the rule that allows Masters invitees to practice on the course, Phil Mickelson visited Augusta National on Sunday and Monday this week. And it truly was a sight for sore eyes! After all, he hadn’t been there in nearly two years.

The last time Lefty played at the event was in 2021; he skipped it in 2022 due to a skiing injury. But now he’s back and excited too. Post his practice round and after inspecting the greens, the golf pro voiced his excitement for his return.

“Everything was really cool,” he said, as per Sports Illustrated’s recent report. “I’m very appreciative to go back.”

The six-time major winner further spoke about the changes he had noticed since he was last there and how different it was now. “What probably went unnoticed is that the left side of the green is not as severe,” he stated. “So if you do over miss it a little left, up and down is not as difficult as previously. It’s still hard, but it’s not like it used to be.”

Read More – Phil Mickelson Gives His Seal of Approval to the 2023 Masters With Rare Twitter Appearance

Lefty voices the troubles he faced while playing on the course

The golfer claimed that although it was easier than in the past; it was still quite hard and that during his practice he had faced some problems. Talking about the tee shot at the par-5 Azalea hole that had been extended by 35 yards, Phil Mickelson said, “I couldn’t reach it (in two) because I couldn’t far enough past the trees.”

The wet conditions of the course during his practice had made it difficult for the pro to gauge the changes to the hole properly. “It was very wet when we played,” he stated. “I think it could be great to have a harder shot second, that it was designed to have.” This visit certainly reminded Phil Mickelson about how demanding Augusta National is as a course.

He now knows that nothing short of his A-game will suffice. But will even that be enough? Only time will tell.

Watch This Story | Phil Mickelson Reveals the Only Reason Why He’s Still Fighting Against the PGA Tour