Phil Mickelson’s popularity over the years

[hardcaliber]

Phil is unquestionably one of the all time great golfers. I personally find him incredibly unlikeable and I think its interesting that he has such a fan following.

 

Besides tiger, he is pretty much the only other golfer that is a household name that non-golf fans would recognize and talk about. Casual fans in particular seem to really take interest in how he is doing.

 

I wasn’t really into golf when he first came on tour and during the run up to his first couple of majors. Would someone be kind enough to give me some perspective on whether his personality has evolved over time and whether he has always been this popular? What do you think the appeal is? Just the fact the he has 5 majors and is the 2nd greatest American of his generation? I feel like even before he won his first major, there were a lot of people pulling for him to get it done, meaning he was already a very popular golfer. It’s hard for me to imagine the Phil of the past few years being a guy that everyone wants to pull for.

[MadGolfer76]

I think you really had to be a fan pre-Tiger and root for him for years to get his first major.

[PhilWhitUK]

I think the argument is that it is easier for the “average golfer” to empathise with him as we all want to play spectacular recoveries and few of us are going to turn our bodies into a gym honed perfection like Tiger. I find myself torn when watching him because I am conflicted between loving his short game and not being sure about him. That being said, does anyone teach “hinge and hold” these days?

[tiderider]

I think the argument is that it is easier for the "average golfer" to empathise with him as we all want to play spectacular recoveries and few of us are going to turn our bodies into a gym honed perfection like Tiger. I find myself torn when watching him because I am conflicted between loving his short game and not being sure about him. That being said, does anyone teach "hinge and hold" these days?

 

pretty much this ...

[golfandfishing]

I think you really had to be a fan pre-Tiger and root for him for years to get his first major.

 

Phil was a big deal, and he won on tour while in college, he built a lot of fans pre Tiger but he got dwarfed in 1997. He was a lovable figure while searching for that first major and was very popular still. For me he started going downhill personality wise when he picked The Ravens to win the Super Bowl and hit. Since then he has portrayed himself as some sort of genius, always being the smartest guy in the room on any subject - subcutaneous fat, club technology, Ryder Cup captaincy, you name it and he knows it all.

[troublelove]

FIGJAM

 

Unbelievable natural talent, cavalier style of golf and a quirky sense of humour. For 10 years he was always the under-dog to Tiger and seen as the blue collar champ (nothing could be further from the truth) as we watched him fail at the final hurdle at so many US Opens.

 

He is a contradictory figure. There are so many examples of him going out of his way to mentor young talent (listen to the latest NLU podcast for just one example) and I have personally witnessed him signing autographs for over 90mins after a +2 round at the Open.

 

He has some faults but I'm very glad he's played this game over the last 20 years. It's a more interesting sport when he's involved.

[bscinstnct]

Love phil. Total character, he was "the thrill" to watch. Played his own style of golf, the way we all wish we could.

 

Dinosaur head, bets millions, cooky stock deals.

 

Says whatever he wants. And he got 43 wins, 5 majors, 3 green jackets and 3/4 of the grand slam to back it up.

 

Last of an era of guys with personality and without a dietitian.

[marmooskapaul]

Walk ten steps..give thumbs up..smile and tip hat...walk ten steps..give thumbs up..smile and tip hat...repeat...repeat...

 

Do that enough and a lot of people think your really care...lol.

 

Nothing against Phil...don't know him from Adam..great HoF golfer!

[hardcaliber]

I think you really had to be a fan pre-Tiger and root for him for years to get his first major.

 

Phil was a big deal, and he won on tour while in college, he built a lot of fans pre Tiger but he got dwarfed in 1997. He was a lovable figure while searching for that first major and was very popular still. For me he started going downhill personality wise when he picked The Ravens to win the Super Bowl and hit. Since then he has portrayed himself as some sort of genius, always being the smartest guy in the room on any subject - subcutaneous fat, club technology, Ryder Cup captaincy, you name it and he knows it all.

 

Anyone on tour currently that early Phil compares to? Maybe Fowler or young Sergio?

[Dave230]

Mickelson has a lot of time for the fans and plays an exciting game. He goes for pins and then makes ridiculous recoveries. His flop shot is one of the most famous shots in all of golf.

 

I've always liked Mickelson, but have liked him less in the past few years (Comments at Ryder Cups, this year's US Open). Sometimes he talks too much, which doesn't do him any favours. But as a golfer, one of the most exciting golfers of all-time to watch.

[cdnglf]

Mickelson has a lot of time for the fans and plays an exciting game. He goes for pins and then makes ridiculous recoveries. His flop shot is one of the most famous shots in all of golf.

 

I've always liked Mickelson, but have liked him less in the past few years (Comments at Ryder Cups, this year's US Open). Sometimes he talks too much, which doesn't do him any favours. But as a golfer, one of the most exciting golfers of all-time to watch.

 

Agree. Generally extremely media savvy, but once in a while he says something really dumb. Like when he complained about California taxes.

[golfandfishing]

I think you really had to be a fan pre-Tiger and root for him for years to get his first major.

 

Phil was a big deal, and he won on tour while in college, he built a lot of fans pre Tiger but he got dwarfed in 1997. He was a lovable figure while searching for that first major and was very popular still. For me he started going downhill personality wise when he picked The Ravens to win the Super Bowl and hit. Since then he has portrayed himself as some sort of genius, always being the smartest guy in the room on any subject - subcutaneous fat, club technology, Ryder Cup captaincy, you name it and he knows it all.

 

Anyone on tour currently that early Phil compares to? Maybe Fowler or young Sergio?

 

Bryson DeChambeau is a good comparison I guess. Winning regularly, but a no show in majors. Fans don’t seem to care for him much though. If he keeps the winning up along with his charade if being smart I’d guess he’s the next Phil if he wins 5 majors and 40+ tour events. That might be unlikely.

[lowheel]

Guy won as an amateur on the pga tour and forfeited the first place check to go back to college and finish his degree. that would never ever happen today. he was the next one and to a certain extent met those expectations. it was believed he would be the next watson/seve/palmer. Swashbuckling major champion.If you think hes erratic now you never watched him as a younger player.A complete psycho. I watched him in 97 at bayhill take driver off the deck to reach the par 5 on the back 9. Fans in the gallery were like WTF is he doing. he of course smokes it and reaches the green in 2 and goes on to win by like 3-4 shots. People freaked out at that shot. Arnold Palmer himself said to him in the champions interview what were you thinking with that shot and he literally turned and said "I thought to myself what would you do mr.palmer". He is under appreciated because he played during tigers era. Phil like Tiger never saw a shot that intimidated him. Those 2 are the greatest trouble shot player of this generation.

 

To understand Phils popularity all you have to do is watch this shot. 2 Guys have the stones to attempt this shot in this situation.Phil is one Tiger is the other

 

[golfandfishing]

“Guy won as an amateur on the pga tour and forfeited the first place check to go back to college and finish his degree.”

 

Well, this statement is a tad disingenuous. He entered the event as an amateur, he wasn’t given the option of keeping the cash on 18 green on Sunday.

[Naptime]

Talented at a young age in his career, especially around the green. A bit of a goof at times. Some sympathy in the majors and when his wife was ill. Better over his career than most - ranks #9 on the total win list.

[MarkFromTheUK]

When you’re the greatest you’re always going to have your critics.

[lowheel]

"Guy won as an amateur on the pga tour and forfeited the first place check to go back to college and finish his degree."

 

Well, this statement is a tad disingenuous. He entered the event as an amateur, he wasn't given the option of keeping the cash on 18 green on Sunday.

 

Yeah sorry, slight miss statement on my part. He had 7 figure deals waiting for him if he immediately turned pro and turned them down. I think you get the the gist of what i meant

[Hawkeye77]

When you’re the greatest you’re always going to have your critics.

 

But Phil has critics.

[Dr. Block]

Phil was stylish and charming when he hit the scene. His short game was magical and his swing was velvety smooth. He stood out in a sea of khaki and saddle shoes.

 

He’s aged in the evolution of disingenuous journalism, and information overload. He sticks his foot in his mouth frequently now, but sometimes I wonder if there’s any winning for a guy like him in today’s media. He could be a bit more understated, but that’s not his style. He gambles, he has meltdowns, he has opinions, he’s not perfect, but he’s often entertaining. And isn’t that his job?

 

I have many first hand accounts that his appreciation and kindness for his fans is entirely sincere. For that he has my respect. I’ve met him a few times, and he was always very kind to me.

 

I hope he learns from this season and cools his jets a bit. His popularity has waned and it almost feels like he’s reaching for the spotlight at times. He doesn’t need to do that anymore, he’s already cemented his legacy as one of the most entertaining players in the history of the game.

[bladehunter]

When you’re the greatest you’re always going to have your critics.

 

Amen. A wise man once said “ if you ain’t collecting haters you ain’t trying hard enough “.

 

 

Phil is litterally the man. Only folks I’ve found in life that don’t like him are the clinical tactician types. Those asshats with the perfectly tame swing that play “ fairways and greens “ golf with that little weak a** bleeding fade. Drop that guy onto 2 inch rough and he “ plays for 5”. That guy hates phil. Why ? Cause 90% of the time in his prime he would drive it two fairways over and you’d need par or birdie to halve the hole.

[IVM]

Phil was stylish and charming when he hit the scene. His short game was magical and his swing was velvety smooth. He stood out in a sea of khaki and saddle shoes.

 

He’s aged in the evolution of disingenuous journalism, and information overload. He sticks his foot in his mouth frequently now, but sometimes I wonder if there’s any winning for a guy like him in today’s media. He could be a bit more understated, but that’s not his style. He gambles, he has meltdowns, he has opinions, he’s not perfect, but he’s often entertaining. And isn’t that his job?

 

I have many first hand accounts that his appreciation and kindness for his fans is entirely sincere. For that he has my respect. I’ve met him a few times, and he was always very kind to me.

 

I hope he learns from this season and cools his jets a bit. His popularity has waned and it almost feels like he’s reaching for the spotlight at times. He doesn’t need to do that anymore, he’s already cemented his legacy as one of the most entertaining players in the history of the game.

 

 

Well said .

[2putttom]

Walk ten steps..give thumbs up..smile and tip hat...walk ten steps..give thumbs up..smile and tip hat...repeat...repeat...

 

Do that enough and a lot of people think your really care...lol.

 

Nothing against Phil...don't know him from Adam..great HoF golfer!

If you've ever been to a tournament that Phil is in, you saw a professional golfer who engages with the patrons. Having been a volunteer in a half dozen tournaments that Phil was in ,and watched him talk to people and acknowledge them , showing he's appreciation for fans not just his but for the game. He can stink it up one day and next shoot lights out, just like 80% of wrxer's . There are those that pretend and then there's Phil.

[Dr. Block]

Phil was stylish and charming when he hit the scene. His short game was magical and his swing was velvety smooth. He stood out in a sea of khaki and saddle shoes.

 

He’s aged in the evolution of disingenuous journalism, and information overload. He sticks his foot in his mouth frequently now, but sometimes I wonder if there’s any winning for a guy like him in today’s media. He could be a bit more understated, but that’s not his style. He gambles, he has meltdowns, he has opinions, he’s not perfect, but he’s often entertaining. And isn’t that his job?

 

I have many first hand accounts that his appreciation and kindness for his fans is entirely sincere. For that he has my respect. I’ve met him a few times, and he was always very kind to me.

 

I hope he learns from this season and cools his jets a bit. His popularity has waned and it almost feels like he’s reaching for the spotlight at times. He doesn’t need to do that anymore, he’s already cemented his legacy as one of the most entertaining players in the history of the game.

 

 

Well said .

 

Thank you

[Cwebb]

He's rarely if ever "steady". Many find that entertaining

[straightshot7]

Being left handed helps. It's a unique look. His swing is also beautiful. He has a good on course personality (always smiling and thumbs up). Winning a lot will gain you fans. ASU is a fairly large school. He's from SoCal which is heavily populated.

 

Mostly, people love the go for broke style. Lots of birdies coupled with disaster. He's exciting to watch.

 

He's also quite outspoken. He will let you know what he's thinking. Or at least what he wants you to think he's thinking. People like that.

 

Also, maybe people that didn't like Tiger needed someone to cling to.

[bladehunter]

Guy won as an amateur on the pga tour and forfeited the first place check to go back to college and finish his degree. that would never ever happen today. he was the next one and to a certain extent met those expectations. it was believed he would be the next watson/seve/palmer. Swashbuckling major champion.If you think hes erratic now you never watched him as a younger player.A complete psycho. I watched him in 97 at bayhill take driver off the deck to reach the par 5 on the back 9. Fans in the gallery were like WTF is he doing. he of course smokes it and reaches the green in 2 and goes on to win by like 3-4 shots. People freaked out at that shot. Arnold Palmer himself said to him in the champions interview what were you thinking with that shot and he literally turned and said "I thought to myself what would you do mr.palmer". He is under appreciated because he played during tigers era. Phil like Tiger never saw a shot that intimidated him. Those 2 are the greatest trouble shot player of this generation.

 

To understand Phils popularity all you have to do is watch this shot. 2 Guys have the stones to attempt this shot in this situation.Phil is one Tiger is the other

 

[media=]

[/media]

 

absolutely....and exactly why some hate him... they dont have it in their brains to understand how you play the game that way.

[Terry Gold]

When you're the greatest you're always going to have your critics.

 

Amen. A wise man once said " if you ain't collecting haters you ain't trying hard enough ".

 

 

Phil is litterally the man. Only folks I've found in life that don't like him are the clinical tactician types. Those asshats with the perfectly tame swing that play " fairways and greens " golf with that little weak a** bleeding fade. Drop that guy onto 2 inch rough and he " plays for 5". That guy hates phil. Why ? Cause 90% of the time in his prime he would drive it two fairways over and you'd need par or birdie to halve the hole.

 

Feel better?

[Jacked_Loft]

Phil the thrill. Nomen est omen.

 

When he first hit the scene he was pulling off shots that most of us couldn't see, let alone attempt.

 

I believe that Phils failures caused by his overzealous self esteem, forced many to reevaluate thier own personal risk-reward equation.

[bladehunter]

When you're the greatest you're always going to have your critics.

 

Amen. A wise man once said " if you ain't collecting haters you ain't trying hard enough ".

 

 

Phil is litterally the man. Only folks I've found in life that don't like him are the clinical tactician types. Those asshats with the perfectly tame swing that play " fairways and greens " golf with that little weak a** bleeding fade. Drop that guy onto 2 inch rough and he " plays for 5". That guy hates phil. Why ? Cause 90% of the time in his prime he would drive it two fairways over and you'd need par or birdie to halve the hole.

 

Feel better?

 

lol

[Mikey5e]

I think what most people criticize Phil about is not that he doesn't have great talent, because he does, but his bad decisions take away from his great talent. To me, he wants to impress the golf world with his cavelier risky shots when he should be playing it a bit safer. As successful as he has been I still think he could have been more successful if he didn't make foolish decisions from time to time. The US Open charade, and his silly commercials have really made him look foolish in my opinion.