Phil Mickelson is no stranger to the world of professional golf. With a career spanning over three decades, he has become one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the sport. Known for his incredible skill and charismatic personality, Mickelson has captured the hearts of fans all over the world. And now, he is back with yet another wild story from his long and illustrious career.
In a recent interview, Mickelson revealed the reason behind the name of his trusty putter – the ‘Tiger Slayer’. For those who may not be familiar with the golf world, ‘Tiger’ refers to none other than the legendary Tiger Woods, who has been a dominant force in the sport for many years.
But why would Mickelson, who has a friendly rivalry with Woods, name his putter after him? The answer lies in one of the most memorable moments in Mickelson’s career – the 2004 Masters Tournament.
It was the final round of the Masters, and Mickelson was tied with Woods for the lead. As they approached the 12th hole, Woods had a one-shot lead and seemed to be in control. Mickelson, on the other hand, was struggling with his putting. But then, something incredible happened.
Mickelson pulled out his trusty putter, which he had recently nicknamed the ‘Tiger Slayer’. With a confident stroke, he sank a 20-foot putt, stunning the crowd and tying Woods for the lead. And just like that, the ‘Tiger Slayer’ was born.
But the story doesn’t end there. Mickelson went on to win the 2004 Masters, beating Woods by one stroke. It was a moment that would go down in golf history and solidified Mickelson’s reputation as a fierce competitor.
Since then, the ‘Tiger Slayer’ has been a constant companion for Mickelson on the golf course. It has helped him win numerous tournaments, including three more majors – the 2005 PGA Championship, the 2006 Masters, and the 2010 Masters.
But the name ‘Tiger Slayer’ is not just a nod to that iconic moment in 2004. It also represents Mickelson’s determination and drive to compete against the best in the world. As he explained in the interview, “I named it the ‘Tiger Slayer’ because I wanted to remind myself that I can beat anyone, even Tiger.”
Mickelson’s rivalry with Woods has been well-documented over the years. But what many may not know is that they have a deep respect for each other. In fact, Woods himself has praised Mickelson’s skills and competitiveness, saying, “Phil has always been one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever faced.”
And it’s not just Woods who has been impressed by Mickelson’s talent. His fellow golfers and fans alike have been in awe of his incredible shots and his never-give-up attitude. Mickelson’s career has been filled with highs and lows, but through it all, he has remained a fan favorite.
Now, with the ‘Tiger Slayer’ by his side, Mickelson continues to compete at the highest level. At 50 years old, he is still going strong and showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he recently became the oldest major champion in golf history when he won the 2021 PGA Championship.
As Mickelson’s story shows, success in golf is not just about physical ability, but also mental fortitude. And the ‘Tiger Slayer’ is a constant reminder of that for Mickelson. It represents his determination, his resilience, and his unwavering belief in himself.
In the end, it’s not just about beating Tiger Woods or any other competitor. It’s about pushing oneself to be the best version of oneself, both on and off the golf course. And that is the true essence of Phil Mickelson’s ‘Tiger Slayer’ – a symbol of his never-ending pursuit of greatness.
