Phil Mickelson Shares Surprising Ways Tiger Woods Influenced His Lifestyle for the Better

Golf star Phil Mickelson recently praised Tiger Woods for influencing his fitness routine, despite their long-standing rivalry. The two have had a rocky relationship since the late 1990s, during which they rarely played together.

In the early days, Mickelson and Woods were friends. However, their relationship soured, making their competition one of the most talked-about rivalries in sports. Woods, a fifteen-time Major champion, was a pioneer in promoting fitness in golf. He embraced rigorous training and nutrition, while Mickelson had a more relaxed attitude towards his physical health.

Things have changed for Mickelson in recent years. At 54, he’s revamped his fitness regimen and is now focusing on staying fit to play well into his 50s. His transformation became evident when he unexpectedly won the PGA Championship in 2021, showcasing his new physique and determination.

Mickelson recently shared that he regrets not prioritizing fitness and nutrition earlier in his career. He stated, “When I started playing golf, fitness wasn’t even an issue.” He acknowledged Tiger’s significant impact on the sport, saying, “It wasn’t until Tiger came along that it really got to be accepted and then got to grow.”

Thanks to his new approach, Mickelson has been able to play without major injuries as he ages. He also mentioned that he respects Woods for what he has contributed to golf and their relationship improved during the 2016 Ryder Cup, where they collaborated as part of the team.

As he continues his career, Mickelson serves as an elder statesman in the golf world, proving that it’s never too late to change and grow.