Philip Alfred Mickelson, affectionately known as “Lefty,” is one of the most accomplished and charismatic professional golfers in the history of the sport.
Born on June 16, 1970, in San Diego, California, to parents Philip Mickelson Sr., a former naval aviator and airline pilot, and Mary Santos, he was raised in San Diego and later Scottsdale, Arizona.
Mickelson has Portuguese, Swedish, and Sicilian ancestry.
His maternal grandfather, Alfred Santos, who caddied at Pebble Beach Golf Links, introduced him to the game at a young age.
Although naturally right-handed, Mickelson developed his signature left-handed swing by mirroring his father’s right-handed motion as a child.
Mickelson currently competes in the LIV Golf League after a long and decorated career on the PGA Tour.
Siblings
Phil grew up in a close-knit family with two siblings: an older sister, Tina Mickelson, and a younger brother, Tim Mickelson.
Tina, the eldest of the three children, is a PGA professional who has worked as a golf instructor since 1994 and has contributed as a writer and on-course commentator for The Golf Channel.
She has authored instructional books and columns, and she remains actively involved in the golf world while sharing family stories and insights on social media.
Tim, the youngest sibling, pursued a career in golf as both a player and coach.
He played college golf and later served as head coach at Arizona State University and the University of San Diego, helping build competitive programs.
Tim has frequently supported his brother on the course, including caddying for Phil at various points in his career.
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Career
Mickelson attended Arizona State University, where he enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career, winning three NCAA individual championships and helping the Sun Devils secure national titles.
He also claimed the 1990 U.S. Amateur title as the first left-hander to do so.
Turning professional in 1992, Mickelson quickly established himself on the PGA Tour with his creative, aggressive style of play.
Over his career, he secured 45 PGA Tour victories, showcasing remarkable consistency and flair, particularly around the greens.
His professional path included high-profile rivalries, notably with Tiger Woods, and memorable moments such as dramatic comebacks and clutch performances in major championships.
In 2021, he made history by joining LIV Golf while continuing to compete at an elite level well into his 50s.
Throughout his career, Mickelson has balanced on-course excellence with family life, overcoming personal challenges including family health issues.
Accolades
Mickelson’s has won six major championships: three Masters titles in 2004, 2006, and 2010; two PGA Championships in 2005 and 2021; and the Open Championship in 2013 at Muirfield.
The 2021 PGA Championship victory made him the oldest major winner in men’s golf history at 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days.
Mickelson has earned 45 PGA Tour wins and ranks among the career leaders in earnings, with official on-course winnings exceeding $96 million and total career earnings, including endorsements and other ventures, surpassing hundreds of millions.
He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, inducted in 2012, and received multiple collegiate honors including the Haskins Award and Jack Nicklaus Award during his time at Arizona State.
Beyond individual titles, he has contributed to U.S. Ryder Cup teams and is celebrated for his sportsmanship, fan engagement, and influence on the game.
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