Phil Mickelson has rolled back the years at LIV Golf Chicago to fire himself into contention and be just one shot off the leaders after round one.
Mickelson’s brilliance was on full display as he made a run of four birdies in a row at one point and while bogeys on 17 and 18 were a blot on his scorecard, it was still a fine day’s work.
The six-time major winner is desperately trying to get his first win on LIV Golf and doing it in Chicago in his home country would be the ideal tonic.
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Still, while golf is very much an individual sport, most players are nothing without their caddie and right now, Mickelson has the experienced Jon Yarbrough on the bag.
With Mickelson in contention and holing putts in Chicago, it was imperative he got the greens right.
And according to Mickelson, Yarbrough is so good that his nickname translates directly with his efforts on the green.
Phil Mickelson praises his caddie after round one of LIV Golf Chicago
Over the years, Mickelson has had a number of caddies, including Jim ‘Bones’ McKay and his brother, Tim.
However, Mickelson now has the experienced Yarbrough on the bag.
And it’s safe to say the Hy-Flyers skipper is more than happy with his right-hand man.
“Yeah, he’s phenomenal. He is one of the best caddies I’ve ever seen. I really enjoy working with him,” Mickelson admitted.
“He just knows what to say at the right time. His nickname is “Greens Book Johnny,” because he reads the greens so well. He pulls clubs, he does it all. He’s just a great guy to have on your side.”
Who is Phil Mickelson’s caddie Jon Yarbrough?
There is so much to be said for a great player/caddy relationship and over the years we’ve seen countless partnerships breed success.
Jon Yarbrough is no stranger to the game himself though and has had plenty of success along the way.
He’s caddied for some big names in the game, including Billy Haas, Gary Woodland and on the LPGA side of things, Suzanne Pettersen.
Born in Texas, Yarbrough has caddied for more than 23 years now and is very much one of the most experienced out there on the bag.
According to the CaddieNetwork, Yarbrough cites Fred Couples and John Huston as his favourite golfers growing up, while he also boasts of being in the pairing that saw Jim Furyk shoot 59 at the BMW Championship.
Still, if he can help guide Mickelson to a win on LIV, then you feel it might be right up there with his best ever achievements.
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