Phil Mickelson vs Tiger Woods
Lefty's rivalry with Tiger Woods spanned from the 1990s into the 2020s, highlighted by Mickelson's historic 2021 major win.
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have been central figures in golf since the late 1990s, with their rivalry extending into the 2020s. Mickelson's 2021 PGA Championship win, making him the oldest major champion in history, is a key late-career highlight.
- Era
- 1990s–2020s
Lore & Background
Mickelson, a left-handed player despite being naturally right-handed, has won 45 PGA Tour events and six majors. He ended Woods's six-tournament winning streak at the 2000 Buick Invitational. Their rivalry includes multiple major duels, with Mickelson often finishing runner-up to Woods.
In Their Own Story
The air at Augusta National was thick with humidity and history as the sun began its descent over Amen Corner. On the 18th green in 2008, Phil Mickelson stood over his final putt, the weight of a lifetime of near-misses pressing against his shoulders. Across the fairway, Tiger Woods watched silently, his focus absolute, knowing that one mistake could hand the Green Jacket to his oldest friend and fiercest rival. The silence was deafening until the club struck the ball; it rolled true, but not far enough. A moment later, Woods tapped in for par, securing another chapter in their legendary saga.
Reader's Guide
Mickelson's career is marked by his aggressive style and short-game creativity. He has spent over 700 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking and reached a career-high No. 2. His rivalry with Woods peaked in the 2000s but continued into the 2020s.
Did You Know?
- Mickelson is one of 17 players to win at least three of the four majors.
- He has finished runner-up in the U.S. Open a record six times.
- Mickelson became the oldest major winner at age 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days at the 2021 PGA Championship.
- He is a life member of the PGA Tour and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods?
They are the two most iconic figures in modern golf, representing the 'Lefty' and the 'King' respectively. Their rivalry defined a generation of professional play from the 1990s through the 2010s on the PGA Tour.
What were their contrasting playing styles?
Woods relied on unprecedented power and dominance to control every aspect of his game, while Mickelson countered with creative shot-making and resilient comebacks. This clash of approaches created intense psychological battles that captivated global audiences.
How did they compare in major championship wins?
Tiger Woods secured 15 career major titles, establishing an era of unmatched supremacy, whereas Phil Mickelson won six majors to cement his legacy as a premier contender. Both players consistently fought for the sport's ultimate prizes over two decades.
What is their head-to-head record?
While they are evenly matched in terms of cultural impact, Woods holds a significant lead in total events won against Mickelson throughout their careers. Their direct encounters often served as the marquee matchups on golf's biggest stages.
Why is this rivalry considered so important?
Their competition transformed the PGA Tour into a worldwide spectacle by blending contrasting skills with high-stakes drama. This two-decade duel redefined the standard of greatness in golf and kept the sport at the center of global attention.
More in Great Rivalries
Elsewhere in the PGA Tour universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record