Phil Mickelson recently explained how his famous putter earned the nickname Tiger Slayer during an episode of the 2V2 series, where he teamed up with Grant Horvat against Bryson DeChambeau and Garrett Clark. The conversation turned to his longtime rivalry with Tiger Woods, sparking interest in the legendary name on his putter cover.
Mickelson traced the nickname back to the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a pivotal week when he shot an impressive 64 in the final round, while Woods struggled with a 75. That performance cemented the putter‘s reputation as a “Tiger Slayer.”
“That’s where this putter got the name because we went out and played and I used that putter. I made everything, I shot 64, he shot 75, and that’s where it initially slayed Tiger,” Mickelson said (1:05:15 onwards).
How Mickelson and Woods’ Rivalry Evolved Over Time
Over many years, Mickelson and Woods developed one of golf’s most memorable rivalries. Tiger Woods, boasting 82 PGA Tour victories and 15 major championships, dominated the early phases of their head-to-head matchups. Mickelson, however, began to find his footing later, especially after partnering with coach Butch Harmon in 2007, which marked a turning point in his performance against Woods.
“He owned me the first half of our careers. His record against me head-to-head was dominant…. But the second part I owned him. After ’07, I started working with Butch and I started doing really well head-to-head. Our record when we’re paired together, I believe, is dead even,” Mickelson shared.
Despite their rivalry, Mickelson has always acknowledged Woods’ extraordinary talent and his status in golf history.
“Obviously his record is his record, he’s the greatest of all time. I’ve seen him do things with a golf ball that I’ve never seen anybody be able to do. And his play in 2000 was indescribable, how good it was,” Mickelson said of Woods.
While Woods’ peak early in the millennium remains historic, Mickelson has built his own legacy through 45 PGA Tour wins and six major titles, including an unforgettable victory at the 2021 PGA Championship at age 50. Together, their careers represent two of the sport’s greatest chapters.
Mickelson Prepares to Chase Another Open Championship at Royal Portrush
Phil Mickelson is gearing up for The Open Championship at Royal Portrush next week, where he hopes to secure his second Open title and seventh major overall. The 55-year-old last captured The Open at Muirfield in 2013 after an outstanding final-round 66, a win that followed his triumph at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he defeated Branden Grace in a playoff with a 17-under total.
Since then, he added a major in 2021 by winning the PGA Championship, becoming the oldest major winner in history. Yet, the 2025 season has been challenging, with Mickelson competing on the LIV Golf tour and missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open so far.
Although he has hinted that he might not compete in the U.S. Open going forward, Mickelson remains exempt from qualifying for The Open until age 60 and for Augusta National as long as he plays competitively. He missed the cut the last time The Open was held at Portrush in 2019 but approaches this year’s tournament with a renewed sense of purpose.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Tiger Woods apologize?
A. Tiger Woods has only achieved the highly coveted 59 score once in his career. Interestingly, he has never recorded a score of 60.
Q. What was Tiger Woods embarrassed about?
A. “I’m told it was 99 yards, so I took the shot,” said the golfer who has won 15 major titles after losing the 13th hole against Cameron Young from New York Golf Club. “I just experienced one of the most embarrassing times in my golfing career,” Woods remarked on the ESPN broadcast, chuckling despite being shocked. “I really messed up.”
Q. How much did Tiger Woods have to give his ex?
A. Tiger Woods faced a significant downfall because of his unfaithfulness in his marriage. This situation led to his divorce from Elin Nordegren, which included a $100 million settlement. Additionally, he lost many endorsement deals and his reputation as a golfing icon. His performance on the golf course has not completely bounced back since then.
Q. What addiction did Tiger Woods have?
A. Later, a toxicology test showed that Woods had consumed Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien, and THC.