John Daly Once Claimed Phil Mickelson "Won't Play Him," Revealing a Frosty Dynamic

Feb 9, 2026, 11:05 PM CUT

Phil Mickelson may be a six-time major champion, but that didn't stop John Daly from mocking him playfully a few years back.

In a 2021 episode of the Full Send podcast, Daly made a remark about Mickelson that didn't suit the latter's reputation. The two-time major winner revealed his thoughts about a "side money game" between him and Mickelson, saying, "No, he won't play me."

Daly admitted that he had never "asked" Mickelson about such a game, and his opponent had also "never invited" him. Subsequently, he enquired, "Phil, are you scared of me?" which might have shocked many, given that Mickelson is a six-time Masters champion.

John Daly walks to the fifteenth hole during the third practice day for the 2024 PGA, Golf Herren Championship at Valhalla Golf Course on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY KYP20240515028 JOHNxSOMMERSxII

However, Daly's subsequent comments displayed that he was nowhere serious regarding his previous remarks. He answered his own question, saying, "No, he ain't scared of me."

But there's a specific reason behind the podcast host bringing up Mickelson's name as Daly's rival, leaving all the other renowned golfers aside.

The John Daly vs. Phil Mickelson Story That Ended in a Friendship

Mickelson is known for precision and skill, while Daly is famous for his big swings and honesty. However, the two met only once in competition, at the 2006 WGC Match Play at La Costa. Mickelson defeated Daly in that match.

"It was a match that we didn't want to have a loser," Mickelson said at the time.

When Mickelson criticized the USGA's driver length rules in 2021, Daly supported him publicly, saying, "I totally agree with you, brother."

In March 2025, two of them finally ended their playful feud with an 18-hole YouTube match at Dutchman’s Pipe Golf Course in West Palm Beach. Mickelson played with Grant Horvat, and Daly played with his son, John Daly II.

Before the match, Horvat asked Mickelson how to get into Daly’s head. John Daly II joked, "I’ve been trying to figure that out for a long time," and everyone laughed.

Mickelson and Horvat won 4 & 3, but the game showed real friendship between the two stars.

But, do you think Daly somewhere still wants to avge his loss against Mickelson?

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Souvik Roy