Despite turning 53 in a few months’ time, Phil Mickelson is showing no signs of slowing down. Indeed, the six-time major championship winner’s fantastic performance at the recently concluded Masters Tournament left everyone in awe of him. But what has caused this late resurgence in his career? While there are many reasons to contemplate, one of them remains Mickelson’s incredible fitness gains, which made the news recently after a clip of his drive went viral.
Phil Mickelson’s fitness gains in the twilight of his career
While at no point was Mickelson out of contention as one of the best players in the world, the issues surrounding his weight were always ridiculed. Yet the golfer turned a corner late in his career, which changed his perspective toward improving his shape.
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With sheer determination and hard work, Mickelson has improved his fitness gradually with each passing year. Now at the ripe age of 52, ‘Lefty’ looks fitter than ever before. He reportedly lost 25 pounds as well, with the veteran golfer himself claiming that he is back to “college weight” and feels lighter than most of his career.
Indeed, his performances in the latter stages of his career speak for themselves. Mickelson rewrote the history books in 2021 after becoming the oldest victor of a major championship by winning the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.
While his form hit a slump after joining the LIV Golf Series, the Arizona State University alum saved his best for the year’s most prestigious event, the Masters Tournament. After shooting decent scores in the initial rounds, Mickelson exploded onto the scene. His Sunday round score of seven-under-par was the best among the field and sky-rocketed him for a joint second-place finish.
Phil Mickelson impresses the golf community ahead of LIV Golf Week
A week since his trailblazing performance that left everyone in awe, Mickelson showed off his upgraded skill set on the practice ranges in Australia. The 45-time PGA Tour winner is scheduled to play in LIV Golf’s Adelaide event from April 21.
Lefty has so much speed. He’s clearly been making gains and might be as fast now as he’s ever been in his life 👀🚀
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) April 18, 2023
Mickelson left jaws wide open with his drives, but fans on the internet embraced the new side of the famed superstar. Here’s a selection of fans’ reactions to the clip.
Phil hitting bombs. 😳
— doug carlisle (@DougCarlisle) April 18, 2023
It's all in the calves….
— Lexusboy (@Brady5008) April 18, 2023
Wow!!!!
— Sam (@SamuelTees) April 18, 2023
He’s also looking more fit
— B. M. J. (@B_M_J_77) April 18, 2023
The calves are SHREDDED good lord
— MisterWoodhouse (@mistahwoodhouse) April 18, 2023
Speed is not a problem, balance seems to be!! GO PHIL!!
— Vulcanbrother (@vulcanbrother) April 18, 2023
It’s all in the calf’s @PhilMickelson 😜
— nigelman (@NigelMan__) April 18, 2023
He doesn't have any excess weight on him nowadays. I am amazed how he doesn't have cartilage/tendon damage based on his original illness. He got meds that worked for him really fast to stop it!
— Garry (@HomesterGolfshp) April 18, 2023
So loose at the top. I don’t know how you have any consistency with that swing without unbelievable hand-eye
— Brandon (@w_brand_h) April 18, 2023
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He'll be 25 in no time!
— The King of Blind Bay (@ImRealGoode) April 18, 2023
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After a successful Masters display, do you think Mickelson 2.0 can win another major championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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