Phil Mickelson vs Tiger Woods
Lefty's legacy: six majors, 45 PGA Tour wins, and a historic run as the oldest major champion.
Philip Alfred Mickelson (born June 16, 1970) is an American professional golfer who currently plays in the LIV Golf League. He has won 45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013). With his win at the 2021 PGA Championship, Mickelson became the oldest major championship winner in history at the age of 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days. He is nicknamed "Lefty", as he plays left-handed.
Lore & Background
Mickelson is one of 17 players in the history of golf to win at least three of the four majors. He has won every major except the U.S. Open, in which he has finished runner-up a record six times. In 2022, Mickelson became the only golfer who has won three different majors to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, leaving his PGA Tour membership of 30 years.
Reader's Guide
Mickelson has spent more than 25 consecutive years in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. He has spent over 700 weeks in the top 10, has reached a career-high world ranking of No. 2 several times and is a life member of the PGA Tour. Although naturally right-handed, he is known for his left-handed swing, having learned it by mirroring his right-handed father's swing. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
Did You Know?
- Mickelson was born on June 16, 1970, in San Diego, California.
- He won his first PGA Tour event as an amateur at the 1991 Northern Telecom Open.
- Mickelson shares the record for most individual NCAA championships (three) with Ben Crenshaw.
- He shot a career-low 59 at the 2004 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
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.
More in Great Rivalries
Elsewhere in PGA Tour
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced