Phil Mickelson

Golf pro Phil Mickelson divided his youth between Arizona and his birthplace of San Diego, California. Born June 16, 1970, Mickelson learned the game from his father. Facing his father and studying various swings, he practiced his technique as a mirror image, which led to his unusual status as one of golf’s few prominent right-handed players to employ a left-handed swing (another being contemporary Canadian Mike Weir). His southpaw status has been no handicap, however, as Phil Mickelson has become of the game’s most exciting players.

Phil Mickelson may not be a household name on par with Tiger Woods or Jack Nicholson, but anyone who knows golf knows that Mickelson is a player to watch. Employing some of the game’s newer driving techniques, Phil Mickelson has a powerful swing that yields long drives. He has a signature short game, as well, that leans on short, arching hops (which would baffle a calculus student) to cover the distance to the flag.

Some speculate that his highly developed personal style, full of quirks such as the one described above, has kept him from racking up the numbers that other similarly talented players have managed to achieve. It was at a relatively late age that he started to win major championships, despite having excited audiences for years with his visually striking play. He admits than in recent years his strategy has become a bit more conservative, although he still takes what traditionalists consider daring shots.

The results have paid off, as Mickelson already has several championships under his belt and has managed to tame Tiger at the top of his game. His play continues to become more refined, but off the course Mickelson has always been recognized as one of the game’s finest. He has a loyal following of fans thrilled with his flair and power, and his competitors recognize him as an affable, courteous presence on the course. Phil Mickelson is married as has three children with his wife, Amy.