When Phil Mickelson’s Confidence Before Turning Pro Caught Even His Caddie Off Guard
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250411 Phil Mickelson of the United States during the second round of the 2025 Masters Golf Tournament on April 11, 2025 in Augusta. Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRAN / kod PA / PA1008 bbeng golf masters the masters augusta us masters *** 250411 Phil Mickelson of the United States during the second round of the 2025 Masters Golf Tournament on April 11, 2025 in Augusta Photo Petter Arvidson BILDBYRAN kod PA PA1008 bbeng golf masters the masters augusta us masters PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxFINxDEN Copyright: PETTERxARVIDSON BB250411PA163
Phil Mickelson and Jim Mackay covered the golf courses together for about 25 years. But before the two shook hands back in 1992, they discussed an important aspect of Mickelson’s career. And it was all about the wins.
Back in April 2025, ‘Bones’ appeared on the Glue Guys podcast and weighed in on his experience as Mickelson’s caddie. But what made him stick to Mickelson was the one thing he told Mackay after becoming a pro.
Mackay recalled, “When Phil came out of college, out of Arizona State, at age 21-22, in 1992, he told me very early on, he said, ‘Listen, I’m going to win a lot.’”
Jan. 23, 2014 - La Jolla, California, U.S - Phil Mickelson (R) and his caddie Jim Bones Mackay discuss a fairway shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Farmers Insurance Open - Round 1 - ZUMAw10
Jan. 23, 2014 - La Jolla, California, U.S - Phil Mickelson (R) and his caddie Jim Bones Mackay discuss a fairway shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Farmers Insurance Open - Round 1 - ZUMAw10
“And he didn’t say, ‘I want to win a lot.’ Very matter-of-factly, he said to me, ‘I’m going to win a lot.’”
It was a time when Tiger Woods was still an amateur. They didn’t know what the 82-time PGA Tour winner was going to bring to the table in four years. Yet, Phil Mickelson showcased impeccable skills and won significant events during Woods’ dominance period.
Mackay told the Glue Guys, “But here we are in 2025, and Phil and I remember winning something like 45 or 46 events, which is a staggering amount, especially in the Tiger era, to have done that.”
Let’s take a look at the California-born star’s winning basket.
Phil Mickelson Has a Career That Matches His Early Belief
During his amateur years, Mickelson won three NCAA individual championships and three Haskins Awards. Soon, his confidence translated into success with 45 PGA Tour wins. These wins included majors as well.
Mickelson has won six major championships – three Masters in 2004, 2006, and 2010; two PGA Championship titles in 2005 and 2021; and one Open Championship win in 2013.
Winning such a volume of major tournaments while competing against someone like Woods underscored the scale of Mickelson’s achievement. It further validated his words to his caddie in 1992.
His early belief carried Mickelson through a Hall of Fame career defined by longevity and elite wins. Today, he continues to compete on LIV Golf as a veteran presence and major champion.
Written by
Krushna Pattnaik
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu