Webb Simpson says what Phil Mickelson was really like to play with when he was on the PGA Tour

Add as preferred source on Google

Phil Mickelson might be on the LIV Golf circuit now but he is unquestionably one of the PGA Tour’s greatest ever golfers.

As a six-time major winner and someone who has won 57 times as a professional, it’s safe to say Mickelson has been there, seen, and done it all.

Now well into his 50s, Mickelson is still going strong over on LIV and while he might not have had the wins or success he wanted when he moved, there’s no doubting that his shift from the PGA Tour as part of a bigger group caused a big ripple effect.

• READ MORE: Patrick Reed has very notable second round after deciding to play in Spain on the DP World Tour

Over the years, Mickelson has done great things on the golf course and according to Ryder Cup vice-captain Webb Simpson, it was quite the experience playing with him.

Why Phil Mickelson was so great to play with on the PGA Tour

One of the things that made Phil Mickelson stand out in his career was his grit and determination.

Over the years, we’ve seen ‘Lefty’ battle back from the brink and in crucial moments, produce some of the most memorable shots we’ve ever seen.

Indeed, speaking on The Bible Caddie podcast, Webb Simpson got onto the subject of Mickelson and explained just what made him so special.

“People ask me all the time who are your favourite people to play with on Tour and Phil comes to mind as quick as anybody,” Simpson explained.

“It is so fun to play golf with a guy who cares so much about the game. You are like this guy has been out here 25 years and it’s Saturday at a PGA Tour event, we’re in 38th and all he’s thinking about is shooting eight under to have a chance to win tomorrow.”

Explaining a specific situation on that topic, Simpson revealed how Mickelson convinced him they could both win after a third round in Phoenix.

“One year in Phoenix we both played together Saturday. We both had a great day. It was just so fun to be out there with him because they love him there,” Simpson continued.

“We’re like five back going into Sunday and he puts his arm around me on 18 while the guy we are playing with is putting out and he goes ‘I have got a game plan for us tomorrow’.

We are not even playing together on Sunday and he maps out this whole thing how we are going to go out on the front and shoot five or six under, as it’s easy. He says the leaders will look at the leaderboard and see us coming. They will get nervous and then we will have a chance. It’s just how he thinks all the time.”

• READ MORE: European player admits Jon Rahm’s comments about him in 2023 made him really struggle before the Ryder Cup that year

Phil Mickelson’s legacy will be appreciated more when he retires

With the state of the game of golf right now, there is still that little bit of needle when it comes to Mickelson and his move to LIV.

As of now, Mickelson hasn’t held back in criticisms of the PGA Tour and with that, it feels his achievements are almost not spoken about as they should.

However, when Mickelson does decide time is up, then it might be the time for everyone to reflect and look back on just what a brilliant career he’s had.

It’s nice here of Webb Simpson to give Mickelson his flowers and over time, it would be nice for more recognition to come the way of one of golf’s true greats.