Phil Mickelson Once Revealed the Turning Point in His Relationship With Tiger Woods: “I Think Our Relationship Turned in 2016 When We Worked Together for the Ryder Cup

Nobody from the early 2000s can imagine a day when Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods join hands for a friendly charity match. However, that happened; not only once, but they played golf together two times outside the professional tournaments. How did that happen? What changed the relationship between two of the legends of the golf world?

Woods and Mickelson are the first two names that would pop out if anyone is searching for the best golfers of the modern era. Although we can see them laughing and playing together at ‘The MATCH,’ it would have been nothing but a dream if one knew their past.

History of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s rivalry

It is not a secret that Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods had a cat-and-mouse relationship from the very beginning of their career. Mickelson had debuted and had already claimed some titles even before Tiger came into the big picture. However, the young talent soon leveled the table and won more, including something Phil couldn’t until many years later, the majors.

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It was only in 2004 when lefty won a major; The Masters. Until then, Tiger had already won the Tiger Slam. ‘Tiger Slam’ is a term that was named after him for claiming all the majors consecutively. The Team USA also regretted the decision at the 2004 Ryder Cup, when they thought it would be wise to put two of the world’s best golfers in one group.

Mickelson’s ego was hurt when he had to put the green jacket on Tiger at the 2005 Masters; however, his pride was redeemed since Tiger had to do the same the next year.

It was impossible to picture both the golf legends playing in a friendly match. However, Phil and Tiger have done that not just once but twice.

Mickelson explained how his relationship with Tiger changed.

“I think our relationship turned around in 2016 when we worked together for the Ryder Cup,” Mickelson said. Phil was the captain of Team USA for the 2016 Ryder Cup, whereas Tiger was the assistant captain. Lefty explained that as they started working together and shared tactics to make their team win, the duo became closer. 

“When we worked together for a common goal, which was to win the Ryder Cup, it brought us closer. I think that was kind of the turning point,” Mickelson further added. 

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Although it was a professional rivalry, it was hard to imagine Phil and Tiger talking to each other without hissing. However, that did happen, and they have already begun to participate in events outside the PGA events. We hope to see both the legends on the course more together. Who doesn’t like a class act of golf, right?