‘Not Trying to Be the Bad Guy Here’: Phil Mickelson Once Had to Clarify His Victory After Ending Tiger Woods’ Lengthy Winning Streak

The rivalry between LIV Golf member, Phil Mickelson, and the PGA Tour legend, Tiger Woods, is not new. They have been arch-rivals since Woods became a professional. Every time one of the golfer achieves something, fans are quick to jump in and make comparisons.

Something similar happened with Mickelson a few years back when he had to explain his victory and clear things out. He was not trying to sabotage Woods’ career. Mickelson stood on Torrey Pines South Course, watched Woods play, but what led to such circumstances that Mickelson had to clear things out publicly? Let’s find out.

When Phil Mickelson had to literally justify his victory to people

During the match, Woods made a birdie and reduced the chances for Mickelson to win by taking over the lead with five shots. The fans started singing the song. ‘The Heat is On’ from the Beverly Hills Cop. And a fan watching made a pass at Mickelson asking, ” How does that feel Phil?”

Read More- Tiger Woods, Who Initially Emerged From Phil Mickelson’s Shadow, Looked at Him in “Disdain” Because of the Wasted Talent

Eventually, Mickelson shot a 2-under-par 70 for 270 and won his 14th PGA Tour title. That was his first title in 18 months. Mickelson’s win led to the end of Woods’ six winning streaks. Phil was receiving negativity from Woods’ fans, and so he had to clear things out.

The LIV Golf member explained that he wasn’t doing any favor, nor was he handing it to Woods. As a golfer, he was just trying to win a tournament and there was nothing wrong with it. He wasn’t the bad guy that people were assuming. He suggested that if Woods wanted to continue with his winning streak, he should have waited. He said, “I’m not trying to be the bad guy here. He could have waited until Los Angeles next week when I’m not playing.”

How did the intense competition with Tiger Woods begin?

The competition between Mickelson and Woods started during NEC. The former PGA Tour member hit a bogey on two of the last three holes in 2000. Mickelson took lead at the Phoenix Open and finished 10th, by shooting 40 on the back.

Mickelson won the tournament after a long dry spell since 1998, and Woods won 10 times in the same period when Mickelson was struggling. He wanted to be equal to the world’s best golfer, and he knew he could not defeat him easily. The only way for him to surpass Woods was to keep trying and keep winning the matches.

Watch this story- Phil Mickelson Once Revealed the Turning Point in His Relationship With Tiger Woods

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