Phil Mickelson Once Made an Uncanny Revelation About How the Ryder Cup Made the Lefty Realize His ‘New Respect’ for Arch Rival Tiger Woods

Sports have seen a lot of major rivalries over the years. There are also often rivalries where one athlete is far more accomplished than the other, but the two are still considered rivals for their skills.

Such is the rivalry between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Because Woods is so far ahead in his list of accomplishments, many assume that Mickelson resents him. But Mickelson revealed it was quite the opposite. He once, in fact, found great respect for Woods.

Mickelson spent all his career in Woods’ shadow. Despite being one of the most skilled golfers, because of the Woods effect, he never got that recognition.

Phil Mickelson proclaims his respect for Tiger Woods

Back in 2020, Lefty appeared on The Dan Patrick Show, where he opened up about his true feelings for Woods. Golf.com covered the interview in which he claimed to have realized his true respect for Woods back in 2020.

The two were playing on the same team in the Ryder Cup and were looking to bring home the trophy. “I think that was kind of the turning point,” said Lefty.

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Mickelson said that since Woods was the assistant captain, the two conversed a lot. “We ended up spending a lot of time on the phone getting ready,” he said. It was during then that Lefty found out the reason behind  15-time major-league winner’s performance.

“Getting an idea to see how prepared he was and how meticulous with each little thing, I had a new respect for him,” he explained.

And further added that their time spent together had turned around their relationship. He said, “We worked together for a common goal, which was to win the Ryder Cup, it brought us closer.”

Mickelson says Woods has done a lot for his family

In the interview, the 6-time major winner revealed that he owed a lot of thanks to Woods for what he had done for his family. “I’ve always had this respect for what he’s done for me and my family because nobody has benefited more,” he claimed.

Lefty explained that it was because of Woods that all the purses for the events in golf had increased. He also stated that it was the golf legends’ influence that had brought more opportunities to the sport, and hence, he was grateful.

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Do you think with Phil now playing for LIV Golf, their relationship will change? Let us know in the comments below.