‘I Stopped Eating Food…Lost Muscle’: After Losing 25 Pounds, Phil Mickelson, 52, Names His Biggest Health Motivator

Six-time major champion, Phil Mickelson, returned to Augusta National after missing last year’s edition of the Masters. The 52-year-old golfer is one of the eighteen LIV golfers competing for this year’s highly-coveted green jacket.

Mickelson, who won the Masters thrice in 2004, 2006, and 2010, left fans worried after he stayed silent throughout the 2023 Champions dinner. On Thursday, however, Mickelson made some major revelations about his form and health following the opening round of the 87th Masters.

Phil Mickelson clears up doubts regarding his appearance

Mickelson had a decent outing at the Masters opening round on Thursday. The player noted that there were a “a lot of positives” because he hit many nice shots. The golfer’s comments about his appearance also cleared up fans’ confusion.

The LIV golfer, who looks significantly skinnier than before, noted that he has lost 25 pounds in the past couple of months. “I stopped eating food, that was a big help. I lost 25 pounds. Then I had — I also lost muscle, so I had to start lifting, and I’ve been lifting and slowly have been getting my speed and strength back to where I need it to be,” revealed the golfer.

Mickelson has clearly drawn inspiration from his golfing compatriots, as he complimented their amazing form. “I’m just going to keep it going this year and continue down that path because, if you watch like some of these guys out here today, how far and how fast they’re able to swing the club, it’s really amazing.”

When asked about whether there was any health benchmark that the golfer was looking forward to achieving, he stressed that he was doing it for “overall health.”

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“I want to be healthy and well and not have any issues and not have any cardiac issues and not have any — like I want to be fit and be able to enjoy life because this is a really fun chapter right now for Amy and I,” said the golfer, noting that it is an exciting time for him and his wife, Amy.

Phil Mickelson’s appearance at the Champions Dinner worries fans

Last year, the three-time Masters champion withdrew from the event following a huge backlash over his controversial comments on the PGA Tour. This year, Mickelson makes his 30th appearance at Augusta after defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV golf last year.

However, the 2023 Champions dinner was a quiet affair, with no mention of the PGA-LIV fiasco. Per reports, Phil Mickelson did not have much to say during the evening. Tommy Aaron and Fuzzy Zoeller, past winners of the Masters event, noted that Mickelson maintained a low profile at the dinner.

The golfer’s somber attitude and apparent changes in his physical appearance also worried his fans. Reacting to a Twitter picture posted by Sir Nick Faldo, a fan noted that Mickelson looked different, saying, “I’m looking for the strings that keep him upright.” However, the golf star’s comments in the post-opening round interview on Thursday put a lot of fans’ speculations to rest.

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What do you think of Mickelson’s recent comments? Do you think the golfer can clinch his fifth Masters win this year? Let us know in the comments below.