2 Years After Scripting History, Phil Mickelson, 52, Teases Rewriting the Record Books Yet Again

The PGA Championship might not be as glamorous as the Masters Tournament or any other major. Yet, it has its own set of challenges and opportunities, which makes the event such an incredible watch. Furthermore, the tournament has thrown some of the biggest surprises in recent years, with the most significant of them being the Kiawah Island triumph of Phil Mickelson in 2021.

Fresh off a close-fought tournament at the Augusta National, a fit-and-firing Mickelson is raring to go again at the PGA Championship. The veteran golfer has racked up interest with numerous mentions about the major championship in the weeks before. But can he strike gold when it matters at Oak Hill next week?

Is Mickelson contesting at this year’s PGA Championship?

First and foremost, is Phil Mickelson even playing at this year’s PGA Championship? After constant coverage of ranking points and their effects on major championship positions, the verdict is such that many LIV golfers will have a hard time getting an entry into these events.

Read more: Amid LIV Golf Controversy, Is Patrick Reed Playing In the 2023 PGA Championship?

While he remains an outspoken supporter of his LIV colleagues, Mickelson himself has no problems in getting into the major championship. He has full exemption at the PGA Championship, having won the event twice, in 2005, and, more recently, in 2021.

Yet, people tend to remember his latter victory for a host of reasons. At the time of his triumph at Kiawah Island, ‘Lefty’ was 50 years, 11 months, and 3 days old, making him the oldest victor in a major championship. No player in golf’s history had won a major after crossing 50, a record that Mickelson obliterated en route to his sixth major championship.

Can Phil Mickelson win his seventh major championship?

Despite his stellar trophy-laden career, Mickelson has inflicted plenty of self-damage. The most painful of all has been his move to the LIV Golf Series for a reported fee worth an eye-watering $200 million.

When the full extent of the switch was made public, fans couldn’t resist but vehemently criticize their once-adoring golfer. While his image has since improved due to his overwhelming performance at the Masters, a third win at the PGA Championship could all but dissolve any further hate on Phil Mickelson.

Watch This Story | Moments After Winning $4,000,000, Talor Gooch Asserts Why He Left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf