Tiger Woods has a perfect opportunity to get one over on Phil Mickelson for one final time
While the likes of Vijay Singh and Ernie Els enjoyed huge success at a similar time, there is surely no question that Phil Mickelson was the greatest rival of Tiger Woods’ career.
It would be fascinating to know what Phil Mickelson‘s career would have looked like had Tiger Woods never emerged onto the scene in the 1990s. Mickelson always looked destined for greatness; winning a PGA Tour event as an amateur in 1991.
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However, Woods’ emergence took a lot of the shine off of the left-hander – and somewhat exposed the potential Mickelson was probably set to leave on the table. Woods had won eight majors before Mickelson won his first at the 2004 Masters.
Woods apparently never fully respected Mickelson due to the fact that he did not make the most of his talent. Of course, there is a reason that they were only ever paired together twice in the Ryder Cup – both on the first day of the 2004 event – with the partnership suffering two defeats.
Tiger Woods has a final opportunity to get one over on Phil Mickelson
Woods will recognise that having Mickelson chasing him was hugely beneficial for his career. Nevertheless, there must be a part of him that feels a strong sense of satisfaction that he more than played his part in Mickelson never reaching world number one.
And as both men find themselves in the twilight of their careers, it appears that Woods has one more opportunity to get one over on the 55-year-old.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of this week’s Hero World Challenge, Woods was asked what his motivation is to be a part of the Future Competitions Committee on the PGA Tour.
“Well, the PGA Tour gave me an opportunity to chase after a childhood dream. I got a chance to hit my first ball in my first PGA Tour event when I was 16 years old. I know that’s what, 33 years ago, but I’ve been involved with the PGA Tour ever since then,” he said.
“A little kid from Cypress California growing up on a par three course got a chance to play against the best players in the world and make it to world number one. I got a chance to be involved in a lot of different things on our tour.
“This is a different opportunity to make an impact on the tour. I did it with my golf clubs, I made a few putts here and there and was able to do that. Now I am able to make an impact in a different way for other generations to come. Not just generations that I played against, but for future generations like a 16-year-old looking for a place to play and maybe in hopes of playing PGA Tour.”
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Woods was involved in the decision to appoint Brian Rolapp as the new CEO. Meanwhile, he has previously been at the centre of talks with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
Woods said that a merger with LIV Golf was close in February.
So it is fair to say that the 15-time major champion is going to have a significant say on what the future of the PGA Tour looks like.
And, crucially, if the changes to the PGA Tour over the coming years prove to be successful, Woods is going to be lauded for the work he has done in the elder statesmen portion of his career.
Of course, he has absolutely nothing to prove anyway. However, it would certainly add to Woods’ legacy if he helps the PGA Tour really thrive after his time as a full-time player has come to an end.
It would potentially be particularly difficult for Mickelson to see. Mickelson will surely argue that his decision to join LIV Golf was a huge moment in changing the PGA Tour.
The tour could not afford to be complacent any longer with LIV lurking. And the league made no bigger statement than convincing Mickelson to sign in 2022. It would be no surprise if a number of big names felt prepared to make the jump only after seeing the six-time major champion go.
However, the way Mickelson handled the defection unquestionably damaged his legacy beyond repair in the eyes of many. Several Augusta National members urged Mickelson to not play the 2022 Masters due to the controversy surrounding him at the time.
If Mickelson’s motivation was to transform the PGA Tour, it is fair to say that he looks set to get his wish.
However, if his great rival plays his cards right over the next few years, it will largely be Woods who receives most of the plaudits.
