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AKRON, OH – AUGUST 01: Phil Mickelson (L) and Tiger Woods pose for a picture during a preview day of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course at on August 1, 2018 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Sports have seen a lot of major rivalries over the years. There are also often rivalries where one athlete is far more accomplished than the other, but the two are still considered rivals for their skills.
Such is the rivalry between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Because Woods is so far ahead in his list of accomplishments, many assume that Mickelson resents him. But Mickelson revealed it was quite the opposite. He once, in fact, found great respect for Woods.
Mickelson spent all his career in Woods’ shadow. Despite being one of the most skilled golfers, because of the Woods effect, he never got that recognition.
Phil Mickelson proclaims his respect for Tiger Woods
Back in 2020, Lefty appeared on The Dan Patrick Show, where he opened up about his true feelings for Woods. Golf.com covered the interview in which he claimed to have realized his true respect for Woods back in 2020.
The two were playing on the same team in the Ryder Cup and were looking to bring home the trophy. “I think that was kind of the turning point,” said Lefty.
Mickelson said that since Woods was the assistant captain, the two conversed a lot. “We ended up spending a lot of time on the phone getting ready,” he said. It was during then that Lefty found out the reason behind 15-time major-league winner’s performance.
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Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson all set to compete in the PGA Championship 2022 | Courtesy: Getty Images
“Getting an idea to see how prepared he was and how meticulous with each little thing, I had a new respect for him,” he explained.
And further added that their time spent together had turned around their relationship. He said, “We worked together for a common goal, which was to win the Ryder Cup, it brought us closer.”
Mickelson says Woods has done a lot for his family
In the interview, the 6-time major winner revealed that he owed a lot of thanks to Woods for what he had done for his family. “I’ve always had this respect for what he’s done for me and my family because nobody has benefited more,” he claimed.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 23: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson look on from the seventh tee during The Match: Tiger vs Phil at Shadow Creek Golf Course on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for The Match)
Lefty explained that it was because of Woods that all the purses for the events in golf had increased. He also stated that it was the golf legends’ influence that had brought more opportunities to the sport, and hence, he was grateful.
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Do you think with Phil now playing for LIV Golf, their relationship will change? Let us know in the comments below.
