Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, has experienced a notable decline in his golf career since his historic win at the 2021 PGA Championship, where he became the oldest major winner. Now 55 years old, Mickelson’s performance on the PGA Tour has been unpredictable, marked by more missed cuts than made, and a fall outside the top 250 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His participation in the LIV Golf circuit has yet to reignite the intensity or consistency that defined his earlier career. Central to this downturn is the absence of the fierce competitive rivalry he once shared with Tiger Woods, a dynamic many believe fueled Mickelson’s peak performances.
For nearly twenty years, the Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson rivalry was a defining storyline in professional golf. Woods’s precision and determination contrasted with Mickelson’s daring and crowd-pleasing style, creating a charged atmosphere that elevated both players. Rather than simply winning tournaments, Mickelson’s greatest golf often emerged when he was chasing the formidable standard set by Woods, spurred on by this rivalry.
The Psychological Impact of Competing Against Tiger Woods
Reflecting on their rivalry in a 2018 CNN interview ahead of their $9 million head-to-head event, Mickelson revealed the profound effect Woods had on his game.
And I feel like Tiger coming along during my career and playing as well as he did got the best out of me because I saw a level of play that I had never seen before. And I knew for me to be able to compete with that, I had to play my best.
—Phil Mickelson
He further emphasized the extent of Woods’s influence:
It took a 100% dedication, and I feel like the wins and the success that I’ve had might not have been, very possibly would not be to that degree had he not come along.
—Phil Mickelson
Their 2018 showdown, known as The Match, held at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, was more than a showcase—it marked a symbolic peak in their long rivalry. Mickelson triumphed on the 22nd hole in a dramatic finish under the lights, securing the winner-takes-all prize. Though the golf was uneven at moments, the event highlighted the enduring respect between the two, even in the later stages of their careers.
The Evolving Dynamic Between Woods and Mickelson
Tiger Woods has also spoken candidly about the challenge of maintaining elite performance. During the same 2018 interview, he noted:
I knew that early on my game was good enough to put myself there. Now, was it good enough to be consistent? That’s a different story.
—Tiger Woods
Mickelson responded with cautious optimism:
Our level of consistency isn’t quite what it has been, but I actually have a feeling and belief that as we’ve had success this year, we’ve had a bit of a taste of it, I think that it’s going to propel us into a phenomenal year in 19.
—Phil Mickelson
However, the reality in 2025 diverges sharply from that hope. While Woods has been largely absent due to injuries and surgeries following his 2022 car accident, Mickelson appears to have lost the internal drive that Woods inspired. Without Woods as a benchmark, Mickelson seems disconnected from the fierce competitiveness that once defined him. Their rivalry matured and softened with age, yet it was this very tension that ignited much of Mickelson’s greatness. Without it, his career has entered a challenging phase.
Early Tensions and Moments of Rivalry Between Woods and Mickelson
The relationship between Woods and Mickelson was not always defined by mutual respect. Their early 2000s rivalry was marked by real tension and occasional verbal sparring. Woods dominated the golf world, while Mickelson, despite his own major victories, frequently appeared to be playing second fiddle. One memorable incident was Mickelson’s 2003 suggestion that Woods was playing inferior equipment, a remark that caused significant media attention and reportedly angered Woods and his Nike affiliates.
Their strained relationship was on vivid display during the 2004 Ryder Cup when team captain Hal Sutton controversially paired them in doubles matches. The pair lost both of their matches, fueling speculation that their on-course chemistry was lacking. Over time, interviews revealed passive-aggressive tensions; Woods maintained his composed coolness while Mickelson responded with a confident, sometimes smirking demeanor, highlighting their contrasting personas.
From Rivalry to Respect: Changes in the 2010s and Recent Splits
By the 2010s, the cold war between Woods and Mickelson began to thaw. The pair had encountered numerous personal and professional challenges, which led to a growing mutual respect. Woods praised Mickelson’s short game mastery, while Mickelson applauded Woods’s remarkable comeback victories. Their 2018 Las Vegas event was emblematic of this evolved relationship, blending competition with camaraderie.
Still, divisions remain. Mickelson’s 2022 decision to join the LIV Golf circuit sparked controversy within professional golf. Woods, loyal to the PGA Tour, publicly disapproved of this move, highlighting the philosophical and organizational split between the two players. Though they have avoided direct confrontation over the issue, the rift underscores the differences that have emerged despite their shared history.
Understanding the Lasting Impact of the Woods-Mickelson Rivalry
The Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson rivalry stands as one of sport’s most compelling stories, not simply for its dramatic moments but for how it shaped two of golf’s greatest careers. Mickelson’s recent struggles underline the importance of this competitive fire, which Woods effectively ignited. With Woods sidelined and Mickelson searching for form, the absence of their dynamic reminds fans of how rivalry can be a powerful catalyst in sports.
As Mickelson navigates this phase of his career without the fierce challenge posed by Woods, the question remains whether a new source of motivation or competition can emerge. The golf world watches with interest to see if Mickelson can recapture the spark that once made him Tiger Woods’s most formidable challenger and whether the legacy of their rivalry will continue to influence the sport.