Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson: biography

Phil Mickelson, one of the richest and the most outstanding golf players of today, has a hard way to success. So, he had to struggle with cancer of his mom and wife, with his own psoriatic arthritis diagnose and a difficult birth of his son. The sportsman has managed to cope with his problems and reached successes in sport. It’s high time for us to know more about Phil Mickelson’s life! Read the article – we will introduce him to you!

Childhood and youth

He was brought up by Philip Mickelson Sr., a former military pilot, and his wife named Mary. Despite Mickelson was given birth in San Diego, he later moved to Scottsdale with his parents.

In his infancy, Phil became interested in golf due to his dad, who introduced this kind of sport to the kid. Together, they played golf several times a week. Interestingly, despite being a right-handed person, Phil used his left hand while playing. That time his dad worked on commercial airlines, and Phil could travel to other cities and countries to take part in golf championships. Generally, his parents supported Phil and encouraged for reaching new heights.

College golf career

Having received his high school diploma in 1988, Phil Mickelson decided to earn a degree in psychology. While studying at a university, he got a golf scholarship. Also, Mickelson joined students' golf team and trained under Steve Loy's guidance (who would later be hired as Phil's manager). For his outstanding performances and high stats, the sportsman received the US Amateur title becoming the first player using left hand who has been honored with the award. In 1991, as a 20-year-old sportsman, he participated in PGA Tour and won the event after defeating Bubba Watson. The following year, he completed his education and started to do sport professionally.

Professional golf career

According to the rules, if a person wants to take up a professional career in golf, he has to undergo the process of getting a qualification. As for Phil, he didn't have to do it because he showed his excellent skills playing at PGA Tour in 1991. The sportsman's caddy was Jim Mackay. At the beginning of his career, Mickelson became a winner of lots of sports events, such as the World Series of Golf and Greater Hartford Open. Although he was successful in winning various events, the sportsman had never advanced to winning a major.

The situation changed in 2004 when he took part in the 68th Masters Tournament and got the title of a winner. The following year, Mickelson won the PGA Championship which took place at Baltusrol. Two years later, the sportsman got the second place on the Official World Golf Ranking list.

Performing at the US Open, the player finished as a runner-up. In 2007, Phil also took part in the Deutsche Bank Championship, becoming its winner. In 2008, he succeeded to win the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

2009 was marked by Mickelson's winning of World Golf Championship and Northern Trust Open. As a result, he was ranked second (near Tiger Woods) on the PGA Tour wins list having 35 unbeaten matches.

Although personal problems affected Mickelson's career hugely, he has not allowed them to steal his professionalism. In 2009 the sportsman added winnings of Tour Championship and the WGC–HSBC Championship to the list of his career earnings. One year later, he succeeded to win the Shell Houston Open. As a result, he was placed at No. 3 on the world ranking list.

Describing recent years of Mickelson's career, he underwent several surgeries in 2016 and recovered very fast.

In 2019 the sportsman came to winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Today Mickelson is thinking about becoming a free agent, according to his words in an interview.

Playing style

Professionals call Mickelson's style of playing an aggressive and risky one.

Earnings

Phil Mickelson's net worth has been evaluated at $400 million. In 2016, he was placed 18th on America's Wealthiest Celebrities list. He has earned such a huge amount due to winning tournaments and signing endorsement deals. Speaking about his partnerships, he has worked with Callaway, Amgen, Rolex, Ford, and many other companies. Interestingly, Mickelson has several private clubs, private courses, and a private 19-place jet. In 2015, he sold one of his houses for more than $5 million. Besides, the player has the very expensive equipment.

Personal life

Speaking about Phil Mickelson's relationship, he has a wife named Amy. During their 20-year marriage, the two have welcomed three children. Besides, the spouses have been called the most famous golf couple.

Nowadays, the family resides in California in a luxurious house.

Phil met his partner while studying at college – Amy was a junior, Phil – a senior. In her admissions, the woman didn't know that her husband was a successful golf player. She supposed he worked at a golf shop.

Their wedding ceremony was held on November 16, 1996. Three years later, Amy gave birth to their first kid – a daughter Amanda. 2001 was marked by appearing of their second kid – Sophia. Two years later, the girls welcomed a brother - Evan. While giving birth, Evan stopped breathing, and there was a risk to die. However, the doctors managed to save the situation.

In their life together, Phil and Amy have become subjects of gossips. So, once Amy was claimed to have been romantically linked with Michael Jordan, a basketball player. Moreover, some Internet sources called Mickelson's swingers.

As for the couple's hobbies, they like dedicating themselves to charity works. So, they are launchers of the Phil And Amy Mickelson Foundation aimed to donate money to people in need, including victims of disasters.

In 2009 the news appeared Amy had breast cancer.

Phil Mickelson's father is an owner of Sportscope since 1997.

In 2015 the sportsman dedicated much time to losing weight. So, he had an every day routine of waking up early and doing exercises. Besides, he kept a diet to build the body of his dream. Nowadays Mickelson is famous for his fantastic calves. The sportsman has even uploaded 5 videos where shared the secrets of such perfect legs.

Achievements

• Winner of Maters Tournament (2004, 2006, 2010)
• Winner of PGA Championship (2005)
• Winner of U.S. Open (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013)
• Winner of The Open Championship (2013)
• Recipient of Haskins Award (1990, 1991, 1992)