During the Late 1990s - mid-2010s, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods led golf while competing as on-course rivals. At times, they did not get along owing to the competitive spirit, although there were moments of humor between them.

In 2002, Woods and Mickelson were grouped in an event at East Lake. That Thursday, at the first tee, the announcer introduced the pairing and noted that both players had previously won the Tour Championship. 

She then read out Woods’ season results, including wins at the Masters, the U.S. Open, Bay Hill, the Buick Open, and the American Express Championship.

As the final result was announced, Mickelson interrupted with “alright, alright,” which drew laughter from those around them, including Woods.

From June 2000 to April 2001, Tiger Woods became the only modern-era male golfer to hold all four professional major championship titles simultaneously.

Between 2000 and 2001, Phil Mickelson won six PGA Tour events and recorded five top-10 finishes in major championships while competing against Tiger Woods during that period.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson talk about their friendship and rivalry

The duo’s relationship began to improve while working together on the U.S. Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams.

On April 3, 2018, during a practice round at Augusta National ahead of the 82nd Masters Tournament, Phil Mickelson spoke about Tiger Woods and described how he had been supporting Woods during his return from back surgeries. 

Referring to Woods’ performance at the Valspar Championship in March 2018, Mickelson said, 

“I texted him a while ago when he was playing at Valspar. It was like a different time continuum. I felt myself pulling so hard for him. It was unusual. I want him to play well. I am excited to see him play so well. And he is playing well.”

Woods, reflecting on their time together on the U.S. Ryder Cup 2016 and Presidents Cup teams, and the way their relationship had developed over the years, as time passed.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das