Phil Mickelson Admits Tiger Woods Changed Golf Forever—And His Own Career
For decades, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods shaped the landscape of professional golf. Their competitive fire and dominance on the course made them icons of the sport. While their relationship was never particularly close, Mickelson has always acknowledged Woods’ impact on the game. Recently, he made a candid admission—he owes a lot to his longtime rival.
Mickelson Recognizes Tiger Woods’ Influence
In a conversation on the Australian Golf Digest YouTube channel, Mickelson reflected on his career and the evolution of fitness in golf. He admitted that when he first turned professional, physical conditioning wasn’t a major focus.
“When I started playing, fitness wasn’t even an issue,” Mickelson revealed. “It wasn’t until Tiger came along—he was years behind me—that it became accepted and started to grow.”
Woods revolutionized golf by bringing elite-level fitness into the sport. Mickelson credited the rise of training programs like the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) to Woods’ influence, explaining that the emphasis on physical conditioning transformed how golfers prepared for competition.
“When I started working with my trainer in 2003, our goal was longevity,” Mickelson added. “Not just performing great for a short time, but extending my career.”
Now at 54, Mickelson has managed to stay relatively injury-free, a rarity in professional sports. While he admitted he could have focused more on nutrition, he expressed gratitude for prioritizing his physical fitness.
“I wish I had been more disciplined with my diet,” he reflected. “I don’t think it would’ve changed my career results, but it would have been good to take control of my health earlier.”
A Rivalry That Defined an Era
Despite acknowledging Woods’ impact, Mickelson and Woods remain distant. The rise of LIV Golf—where Mickelson has been a key figure—has deepened the divide, with Woods staying loyal to the PGA Tour.
Regardless of where they stand today, Mickelson’s words reaffirm Woods’ lasting legacy—not just in golf, but in shaping how athletes approach the game. Their rivalry may have cooled, but the influence they had on each other is undeniable.