‘Putt It, B*tch’: Looking Back at a Legendary Phil Mickelson Anecdote

The betting habits of Phil Mickelson on the golf course are no secret in the world of golf. The left-handed golfer has earned around millions just from the side bets while playing in practice rounds or not-so-professional tournaments. Former professional golfer, Paul Azinger shared an interesting betting story that saw Mickelson finesse three golfing legends.

Thanks to Phil Mickelson’s jolly character, people around the 6-time Major champion have shared several incidents revolving around Lefty. But the one thing common in most stories is Mickelson’s love for gambling while playing.

Paul Azinger shared a story back in 2014, which shared the initial stage of Mickelson’s love for betting. The moment also gave Azinger a clue that Mickelson was on his way to reaching the epitome of greatness.

Young Phil Mickelson wins the bet against three veterans

In 1998, Phil Mickelson was only eight years into his professional career. The then 28-year-old golfer had the opportunity to play alongside some already established golfers like Paul Azinger, Ben Crenshaw, and Payne Stewart.

While heading to the final hole at the Bay Hill, the four men decided to place a bet for $1600. While speaking at the PGA Tour radio back in 2014, Azinger shared more details. He said, “We get to the 18th green, and we all have birdie putts. Mickelson is the closest, and he has about a 14-15 footer down the hill. We all miss … If (Mickelson) makes it, we lose $1,600. If we beg out, we forfeit $800.”

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Azinger further added, “But if he misses it, we only lose $400. So Payne says, ‘I’m out.’ I said it was downhill, right-to-left. He’s not making it.” Since Payne Stewart decides to opt out of the bet, Ben Crenshaw replaces his place in the stake so he could earn the guaranteed $800.

Later, as Mickelson approached to putt in the 18th hole, Azinger told Lefty, “Putt it, b*tch.” With a smile on his face, the 6-time Major champion nails the final hole and wins the wager. Following the shot, Payne Stewart high-fives Mickelson with joy since he lost only $400 while Azinger lost $1600.

But the moment also gave Paul Azinger a new perception of a young Phil Mickelson and believed he has a great career ahead of him. Azinger said, “That’s when I knew Mickelson was going to be a really good player. I just knew it.”

Now, 24 years later, Mickelson is regarded as one of the greats if not the greatest to embrace the sport with his astonishing achievements. Will Mickelson be able to cope up with the new challenges at LIV Golf?

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