Golf legends Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods were spotted hitting balls side by side on the practice range at The Open on Friday, but shared very few words
Phil Mickelson has let on that not many words were exchanged when he encountered his former adversary Tiger Woods at The Open Championship’s practice range.
The two golfing titans, known for their historic duels, were spotted practicing next to each other at Royal Troon, getting ready for the competition on Friday.
Although their prime may be in the rearview mirror, Mickelson managed to eclipse Woods this time, making the cut with a score of five-over-par, while Woods’ 14-over-par meant he didn’t make it to the weekend rounds.
Post his second round, Mickelson, who has since joined LIV Golf, was asked about his short interaction with Woods. “We said hi. Yeah, we said hi, but we were both preparing,” Mickelson divulged.
“It’s not like we’re going to sit there and chat. But we said hello, yeah.”
Mickelson, aged 54 and a pivotal figure in the divisive LIV breakaway two years back, was also questioned on the possibility of teaming up with Woods to heal the divide in professional golf.
Woods is presently a key player on the PGA Tour’s transaction committee, which is negotiating with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF)the backers of LIV Golf regarding a potential merger.
“I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see,” Mickelson commented, noting that although he was initially involved in the LIV initiative, he isn’t currently taking part in the talks with the PGA Tour about uniting the top players from the rival tours.
“Look, I don’t know about that stuff,” the six-time major champion said. “I’m not involved. I’m not sitting in those rooms. I am enjoying where I’m at and what I’m doing and playing. I’ll let other people figure that stuff out.”
Despite the relentless rain at Troon hammering down, Mickelson scored a one-over-par in the third round, leaving him six-under-par overall and ten shots behind the leader, Billy Horschel.
Phil Mickelson, affectionately known as “Lefty”, despite not being in contention for the Claret Jug, has relished his time on the course at Troon. This is the same venue where he had an epic duel with Henrik Stenson in 2016, which saw the Swede come out on top.
“I enjoyed the round,” Mickelson expressed. “I had fun. I didn’t score the way I wanted to, but I always enjoy playing here, and there’s a lot of great memories for me from around this golf course from 2016 but even going back to 2004 when I missed the playoff by a shot. I just really love Troon golf.”
