‘[Phil Mickelson] Was a Big Brother to Me’: 1x PGA Tour Champion Brings Lefty’s Hidden Soft Side to Light

Phil Mickelson has become the center of another golfer’s life, but this time it is in a positive light. Though Lefty usually makes the news for his controversial aspects of life, this time it represents how “great” he has been as a mentor to the Barracuda Championship winner.

Lefty has been known to take young golfers under his wing to help them in any way he can. With a one-time PGA Tour winner, the story goes around the same: the new guy on the PGA Tour revealed the hidden characteristics of Mickelson that often go unnoticed.

Akshay Bhatia shares the softer side of Phil Mickelson

After his play in American Express, Akshay Bhatia sat down with Dan Rapaport for an interview for the Fore Play Podcast. The recent episode of the podcast showcases Bhatia narrating various stories about his wife. One such was about his interaction with Phil Mickelson. Rapaport asked Bhatia, who was the most impressive pro golfer he had played with.

After venturing through different names, the 20-year-old recalled Mickelson. Bhatia exclaimed that Mickelson was a “big brother to him” and he took him “under his swing.” He also expressed that his short game was “unbelievable” and one that he could just “sit and actually watch.” Furthermore, he relayed that Mickelson took him under his wing when Bhatia was 17.

During an event of the DP World Tour, the 45x PGA Tour winner took Bhatia to Dubai or Saudi Arabia to fly with him. Bhatia described Mickelson as a “normal guy” but a good storyteller, which was the best part of the journey. Bhatia, who expressed his delight with Mickelson’s character, said, “He’s got this just positive energy, he’s always joking around and you never feel uptight.”

The one-time PGA Tour winner called him a “great guy” who is always joking and lightening the mood. Moreover, Mickelson has helped Bhatia with his game as well, and for that, Bhatia is extremely appreciative of the legendary golfer.

Lefty helps Akshay Bhatia through 

Akshay Bhatia revealed that coming under Phil Mickelson’s wing has helped his golf game as Lefty gives him time to pick his brain. Bhatia said that Mickelson is “awesome” and “always available” for him. “It’s cool to have someone like that who’s won so many times on Tour and done so many incredible things and to be able to kind of pick his brain and learn from him,” Bhatia said.

Read More: Phil Mickelson Bluntly Confesses the ‘Disruptions’ That Nearly Ruined Him; Promises a Turnaround in 2024

Additionally, the Cal golfer also shared that, being a Lefty himself, Mickelson’s insights on game and shot-making help a lot. Bhatia explained that as a Lefty, some courses become difficult to play, and he likes to pick Mickelson’s brain and strategize better.

The two share a special bond, as Bhatia has found the perfect mentor for his golf career. Over the years, Lefty’s sweet moments with young golfers have made it to the news amidst the controversial aspects. The veteran is never lacking in surprising the fans with these fun moments.

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