Phil Mickelson will be making his 33rd appearance at The Masters next week.
Augusta National and Phil Mickelson go together like peanut butter and jelly and only two men have won The Masters more times than the 55-year-old American – Jack Nicklaus (6), Tiger Woods (5) Arnold Palmer (4).
He even finished tied for second at The Masters in 2023 at the age of 52 – a truly remarkable achievement.
Now Mickelson has made 28 cuts in 32 appearances at The Masters, and now he will be hopeful of enjoying another successful week at Augusta National.
Mickelson has played just one event this year ahead of The Masters, but he did show some really encouraging signs at LIV South Africa two weeks ago.
The LIV Golf star is obviously well past his best now but he still has the ability to compete if he putts and chips well.
‘Bones’ Mackay expects Phil Mickelson is intent on doing one thing at The Masters
Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay caddied for Mickelson for five of his six major championship wins and 41 of his 45 PGA Tour victories.
He was on Mickelson’s bag for 25 years, so it goes without saying that not many people know the 55-year-old as well as Mackay does.
Mackay made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show and the chat mainly centered around the upcoming Masters.
‘Bones’ was asked about what he believes Mickelson’s goals and expectations will be at Augusta National next week.
“Yeah, I think Phil’s the guy that would think he could win the Masters into his 60s,“ Mickelson’s former caddie said.
“So, it’s just the way he’s built.
“He’s, you know, back playing competitive golf again now on his tour.
“So I would expect he’ll he’ll show up at the Masters and he’ll be intent on winning.“
There is a reason why Mickelson has won so many times throughout his career.
He clearly has an exceptional talent but his desire to win golf tournaments can be matched by few.
Phil Mickelson can never be ruled out at The Masters
Mickelson is someone who you can never count out, mostly due to his extraordinary short game.
He still clocks ball speeds well into the mid-170s mph, so he’s plenty long enough to get around Augusta National.
If Mickelson enjoys a strong putting week at The Masters, then who knows what might happen?
He is obviously a real outside shot to win at Augusta National this year, but he proved back in 2021 at The PGA Championship that, once he gets into contention, his age means nothing.
At 55, Mickelson winning The Masters would be one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time.
The vast majority of people will not be giving him a chance. Crucially, though, there is clearly one man who believes he can still win!
