In a candid mid 2024 chat with Bloomberg TV, Phil Mickelson, then 53, didn’t circle around, admitting, “Look, I’m 53 now, and if I’m being honest, the sunset is creeping up on my career.” A little fast forward and, “My game over the 30 plus years has had to evolve, and now at 54, I’m not going to be able to swing and hit 190 ball speeds like these young guys.” It was August 2024 when Phil Mickelson went candid, acknowledging the decline in his game since joining LIV Golf, particularly over the last 16 months. Mickelson, captain of LIV’s HyFlyers GC, has seen his short game, once a staple of his success, falter, leading to struggles in making cuts in major championships and a dismal record on the LIV circuit, with only one top-10 finish this year.
Despite his efforts to focus on his ball-striking and shot-making abilities, Mickelson admits he’s throwing away shots due to his short game woes, making it harder for him to compete. In a statement, Mickelson hinted at retiring from a full schedule, suggesting that if he can’t regain his form, he may step aside and let someone else take the reins. Well, now the golfer has hinted on the possible setbacks he has been facing that may make him consider hanging up his clubs sooner than later.
Speaking on the latest episode of Phil Mickelson and the Hyflyers on YouTube, Mickelson revealed the challenges he’s facing as he navigates the latter stages of his career. He acknowledged his career evolution, and the need for adaptation in order to remain competitive. At 54, Mickelson is no longer able to rely on his youthful power and instead must focus on strategy and finesse. “And now at 54, I’m not going to be able to swing and hit 190 ball speeds like these young guys. I’m not going to overpower golf courses and use my short game the way I used to.” While some critics argue that Mickelson’s best days are behind him, others believe that his experience and clever course management can still be a potent combination.
As he looks ahead to the 2025 season, Mickelson is determined to find new ways to succeed. “I’ve been fighting the last two or three years, trying to win the same way I’ve been winning,” he admitted. “No, I’ve got to find a different way, and that’s what I’m doing heading into the 2025 season. I’m finding a different way to win.”
BOLINGBROOK, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 13: Phil Mickelson of the HyFlyers GC reacts after a putt from the fourth hole during day one of LIV Golf: Chicago at Bolingbrook Golf Club on September 13, 2024 in Bolingbrook, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
With a renewed focus on playing “a little smarter, a little bit different,” Mickelson is confident that he can still make a meaningful impact on the course. As he succinctly put it, “If I can play well, I can lift my team up and get us on the podium.” Well, it seems like Mickelson is already on a path to make new strategies and he is not the one to gatekeep them.
Phil Mickelson’s new approach for fewer mistakes and more birdies
After missing his first LIV Golf start of the season due to a shoulder injury, Mickelson returned with a bang, shooting four under on Sunday in Australia. He carried that momentum into LIV Hong Kong, opening with a three-under 67, good enough for a tie for 14th place after the first round. Mickelson attributed his success to a new approach, one that focuses on limiting mistakes rather than relying on raw power.
“The last couple years I’ve been kind of fighting it, trying to overpower a course where I don’t have the speed like the guys with 190 [ball speed],” Mickelson explained. “This offseason I thought, alright, I’ve got to find another way. I’ve got to find another way to shoot scores and try to beat these guys.” Mickelson’s new mantra is all about precision and strategy, rather than brute force. “The way I’m going to have to find another way to win is less mistakes,” he said. With only some days left before the Masters, Mickelson is looking to fine-tune his approach and make a strong run at Augusta National. So, do you think he can make a strong showing this time? Let us know in the comment section!
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