Phil Mickelson is riding towards his post-retirement career. In a golf cart with Brendan Steele on his side. After snubbing broadcasting plans, the 53-year-old posted a clip on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle with his LIV colleague. They appeared to be shooting the first episode of ‘Pros vs. Schmos that the veteran revealed to be his next career plan just days ago.
Lefty joked, “I feel like we’re in the episode of Seinfeld the Bizarro world.” The 53-year-old was referring to the third episode from season 8 of Seinfeld, where George Costanza and Cosmo Kramer meet their doppelgangers but they are the total opposite of each other.
Steele, who most recently won at LIV Golf Adelaide, continues the thread. “Yeah, up is down, down is up. You say ‘goodbye’ when you arrive, and ‘hello’ when you leave.” A little taken aback, Mickelson replied, “What? That’s what I feel is happening.” Well, Mickelson’s goodbye to Golf will be his ‘hello’ to a new career on YouTube.
Phil Mickelson earlier clarified that he would be very much interested in playing 9-hole matches, with insightful commentaries along the way. That response came after one fan floated the idea of Mickelson moving to broadcasting. The 45-time PGA Tour winner replied, “However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack.”
Ian Poulter was ready to sign up. Lamenting their ruined chances facing each other as Ryder Cup captains, the Englishman wrote, “I’m happy to be the Schmos if you like..” As was Wesley Bryan and his brother George Bryan IV, both of whom played in the Myrtle Beach Classic recently.
Ultimately, it appears, Mickelson will start his journey with his close friend Steele. They both have played practice matches before. And Steele has credited Mickelson for a lot of help in his golf career. The six-time Major winner, though, is sticking to his plans of hanging up his golf clubs as he revealed in a recent interview.
Rory McIlroy looks to one-up Phil Mickelson soon
Lefty first talked about retirement in a chat with Haslinda Amin of Bloomberg. “I’m 53 now. and my career, you know, it’s — if I’m being truthful, it’s on — it’s — it’s — I’m a — it’s towards its end.” The veteran golfer has only been in the top ten twice since last May. At the Masters, Lefty tied for 43rd. The lack of OWGR points has also pushed Mickelson outside of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking. The six-time Major winner was 80th last May and now he is 160th.
via Reuters
Golf – LIV Golf League – Hong Kong – Hong Kong Golf Club, Hong Kong – March 9, 2024 Hyflyers GC’s Phil Mickelson during the second round REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
On top of that, Rory McIlroy has closed the gap on the PGA Tour money list. Phil Mickelson has $96 million in career earnings, standing second right behind Tiger Woods, courtesy of 45 career wins and 536 cuts made. But McIlroy, after his fourth Wells Fargo Championship title, is just $10 million away from Lefty. At 35, the Ulsterman has plenty of time to usurp Mickelson from the second spot. However, per reports, the oldest major winner earned $200 million in guaranteed contract in joining LIV. Both are two-time PGA Championship winners, and both will head toward Valhalla this week to increase their tally.
