Phil Mickelson hasn’t won a tournament since 2013. Let that sink in for a moment.
Hard to believe, I know.
It’s almost as unfathomable as Tiger going winless in majors since 2008. But its a fact. One that likely doesn’t sit well with Lefty, considering his competitive fire.
He has been close several times since capturing the Claret Jug at Murfield in the 2013 Open Championship, a victory that might be the most satisfying of his career as he eluded to after a brilliant final round 66.
“I didn’t know if I would ever develop the game as a complete player to win this championship. I can’t explain the feeling of satisfaction to win this tournament. Today’s round will be one of the most memorable rounds of golf I’ve ever played.”
He nearly won a second Claret Jug in 2016 when he finished second at 17-under, but ran into a buzzsaw in the form of Henrik Stenson during the aptly labeled “Duel In The Not Sun” at Royal Troon, carding a magnificent final round 63 to finish 20 under par. They produced a battle for the ages, lapping the field in the process. The next closest pursuant was J.B. Holmes at minus six.
Phil was runner up at Pebble Beach last year during the AT&T, lipping out on 18 that would’ve sent him to a playoff with Jordan Spieth, the eventual winner. Nice effort, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades for a player of Phil’s caliber.
He relishes the West Coast Swing and will be itching to find the winner’s circle early as he begins the new calendar year this week at the CareerBuilder Challenge in the California desert. With his eye on Shinnecock, the site of this year’s U.S. Open, Phil will be fine tuning for a chance at the career grand slam, a feat he desperately covets and should’ve already achieved. Who could forget the 18th-hole at Winged Foot?
But if he doesn’t complete the slam this year, the U.S. Open returns to famed Pebble Beach in 2019, where Phil has had great success in the past.
Another aging legend, who wears red on Sundays, will also be pointing to the site of his unmatched 15-shot victory in the 2000 U.S. Open.
Wouldn’t that be something?
Imagine Tiger and Phil dueling down the stretch at Pebble, turning back the hands of time, with the likes of DJ and Spieth in hot pursuit.
One can only hope for that dream scenario.
Father Time, however, is not on their side. And he is undefeated.
(Featured photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images)