‘Surprised and Confused’: Victim of Gender Discrimination, Phil Mickelson’s Sister Tina Once Opened Up About the Struggles of a Female Golfer

PGA Tour professionals often get more recognition than LPGA Tour players. Thankfully, spectators and critics started accepting female golfers in recent years and take interest in watching their games. However, such was not the case in the past. The story of Mickelson can be taken as the biggest example of gender discrimination in the golf world. Despite being talented, it made Tina Mickelson fail to make a name in the professional world, whereas her brother, Phil Mickelson, got to become one of the bests of all time. 

“I was surprised and confused when people warned me about being careful working in a male-dominated industry.” Tina took the opportunity she got to write an op-ed for ‘FORE Her’ about how gender discrimination ruined her career in 2019 according to a golf.com article. 

According to her write-up, the Mickelson parents never showed any difference in their sons and daughter. However, her experience in the professional world was different. She explained in her write-up that the professional world made her realize that “the forebodings from well-intentioned people were somewhat accurate.” She further added, “and I wasn’t quite prepared for what was to come.” 

Tina Mickelson had to limit herself as Phil Mickelson’s sister because of the golf stereotypes

As his caddie, many from the golf world are aware of Tim Mickelson being Phil’s sibling. Tina Mickelson, like her brothers, loves the game of golf and works in the golfing world. However, not many know about his sister unless they are fans of the 6-time major champion.

Although she remains unknown to most golf fans, Tina sometimes gets recognition whenever Phil mentions her in one of his interviews or social media posts. 

Read more: Twitter Exchange Once Witnessed Phil Mickelson Getting Roasted by His Sister on Tiger Woods Clip

Despite being talented, Tina Mickelson couldn’t get the same opportunities her brother got because of her gender. According to her op-ed, she “naively expected that each individual would be treated as just that: an individual.” But the reality was far different than her expectations.

What does Tina Mickelson do for a living? 

According to a pgatour.com article on Phil Mickelson’s 50th birthday, Tina Mickelson is the oldest child of Phil Sr.-Mary Mickelson couple. And although she couldn’t become a professional golfer, she found a job in the golf world itself. Tina Mickelson is a PGA professional. She teaches golf and also is a public speaker as well as a writer. 

Moreover, Tina has appeared on CBS Sports and Golf Channel to cover LPGA Tour tournaments. 

The world of golf has changed a lot since Tina’s time. Many female golfers have found their way to professional golfing at a young age. Women’s golf is not popular among fans as the PGA Tour events. However, hopefully, it will soon change as well with time. 

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