Jack Nicklaus won his last Masters at 46. Tiger Woods shocked the world with his 2019 comeback victory. Now veteran players continue to challenge the young guns at major championships. This trend of experienced players finding late-career success makes the Masters prediction game more intriguing than ever.

Could we see another veteran defy the odds at Augusta National this year? Golf Channel’s “Rex & Lav” podcast recently raised an unexpected name for consideration. They’ve branded Phil Mickelson a legitimate dark horse for the Masters. The discussion highlighted Phil’s evolution from a gambling “swashbuckler” to a more strategic player who now relies on course knowledge.

Phil Mickelson’s evolution makes him a legitimate dark horse

Phil Mickelson has clearly found something in his game recently. On the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav, golf analysts highlighted his recent form, noting his top-three finish in Hong Kong and solid performance at last week’s LIV event. These results reflect a deliberate transformation in Phil’s approach.

The podcast hosts made a compelling comparison, likening Mickelson to an aging pitcher who can no longer rely on throwing heat. “You have to be a little bit more strategic,” they explained on the show. Mickelson has embraced this reality at this stage of his career, no longer focusing solely on “hitting bombs” but playing more sensibly.

This evolution is evident in how he approaches courses now. The podcast hosts praised his ability to adapt, mentioning he “wasn’t hitting driver” but was “just sort of plotting his way around” in Hong Kong. They emphasized that Phil “has clearly found something in his game” and is “finally at that stage in his career where he’s not just the swashbuckler anymore.”

The analysts were particularly impressed with Phil’s weapons beyond driving. They pointed out he “can still do damage with his wedges” and “still do damage with his scoring clubs.” His short game skills “have never really left him,” and when his putter heats up, he remains dangerous. Phil himself acknowledged this improvement recently, saying, “I’ve been able to think much better. I’ve been able to process things much better, stay present much better, not force it much better than I have in the past.” He further explained his mental growth, adding, “It’s a confidence. I’m hitting the shots. But it’s also the ability to kind of control your mind and control your thoughts.“

Lefty’s Masters history further validates his dark horse status, according to the podcast. His T2 finish just a few years ago came “when he was nowhere near in this sort of form.” With three green jackets already and his improved strategic approach, the hosts consider him a legitimate contender, concluding he’s “not totally out of the realm of possibilities.” Mickelson himself seems to share this confidence, recently stating, “My goal to win another major, I can feel is within reach.” He’s specifically eyeing his fourth Green Jacket at Augusta next week. While Phil’s chances look promising, he’s not the only veteran with the experience and skills to surprise at Augusta.

Other veteran dark horses lurking at Augusta

Adam Scott’s ball-striking remains elite, ranking consistently in the top 20 off the tee on the PGA Tour in 2024-25. His recent struggles stem almost entirely from putting, where he lost an average of -0.222 strokes per round over his last five tournaments. The Australian’s intimate knowledge of Augusta stems from 21 cuts made in 23 appearances, including five top-10 finishes and his historic 2013 victory as the first Australian champion.

Hideki Matsuyama’s Masters credentials begin with his groundbreaking 2021 victory, becoming the first Japanese and Asian-born men’s major champion. His triumph came a decade after his Augusta debut as low amateur in 2011, when he finished T27. Matsuyama’s recent form validates his dark horse status—he claimed the 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions with a staggering 35-under par score, setting a new PGA Tour scoring record relative to par. His ball-striking brilliance is shown in his career statistics: he ranks 10th in Strokes Gained: Approach over the past decade on Tour.

Will Mickelson add a fourth green jacket to his collection? Can another veteran dark horse emerge victorious? The beauty of Augusta lies in its capacity to produce surprising champions alongside expected contenders. After all, experience never goes out of style at the Masters.