Challenges Faced by Phil Mickelson: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Phil Mickelson's life and career.

Philip Alfred Mickelson, nicknamed "Lefty," is a prominent American professional golfer currently playing in the LIV Golf League. A highly accomplished player, he has secured 45 PGA Tour victories, including six major championships: three Masters titles, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Notably, Mickelson became the oldest major championship winner in history at the 2021 PGA Championship at the age of 50. He is known for his left-handed playing style despite being naturally right-handed.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: First Missed Cut at the Masters

In 2014, Phil Mickelson missed the cut at the Masters for the first time since 1997. He failed to contend at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst in his first bid to complete the career grand slam.

2003: "Best Player Never to Win a Major" Label

By the end of the 2003 season, Phil Mickelson was often described as the "best player never to win a major" due to his consistent performance in majors without securing a victory.

2004: Callaway Golf Contract and Ryder Cup Performance

In 2004, Phil Mickelson signed with Callaway Golf after an incident with Titleist and faced scrutiny for his equipment change leading to a poor performance at the Ryder Cup.

2009: Returns to PGA Tour and Runner-Up Finish at U.S. Open

In June 2009, Phil Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour after his wife's cancer diagnosis, finishing as runner-up at the U.S. Open.

2010: U.S. Open and World Ranking Opportunities

In 2010, Mickelson finished T4 at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Later in the 2010 season, Mickelson had opportunities to become world number one, but disappointing finishes led to Lee Westwood taking the top spot.

2011: Farmers Insurance Open

In 2011, Phil Mickelson started his season at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course and finished second after Bubba Watson won the tournament.

2012: Mixed Results in 2012 Season

In 2012, Phil Mickelson experienced mixed results, including a T-7th finish at the HP Byron Nelson Championship, a withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament due to mental fatigue, and a T-65th finish at the U.S. Open.

2012: PGA Tour Victory and Playoff Loss

In 2012, Phil Mickelson had a victory and a close loss. He won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, marking his 40th career PGA Tour victory. The following week, he lost the Northern Trust Open in a playoff.

2012: 2012 FedEx Cup Playoffs and Ryder Cup

In 2012, during the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Phil Mickelson finished T38 at The Barclays and T4 at the Deutsche Bank Championship. At the BMW Championship, he tied for 2nd. He had a 3-1 record at the Ryder Cup, but the USA team lost.

2013: Early 2013 Season Performances

In January of 2013, Phil Mickelson began his season by playing in the Humana Challenge, where he finished T37. His next event was the following week in his home event near San Diego at the Farmers Insurance Open where he finished T51.

May 30, 2014: FBI and SEC Investigation

On May 30, 2014, The Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI and SEC were investigating Mickelson and associates for insider trading in Clorox and Dean Foods stock. Mickelson denied any wrongdoing.

May 19, 2016: Named as Relief Defendant in SEC Complaint

On May 19, 2016, Mickelson was named as a relief defendant in an SEC complaint alleging insider trading but avoided criminal charges in a parallel case.

2018: Controversial Incident at U.S. Open

During the third round of the 2018 U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson incurred a two-stroke penalty for hitting his ball while it was still moving, resulting in a score of 81.