Mickelson: "Woods is not a rival but a partner"

Through the Dan Patrick Show in the US, "Key Player in Global Tour Growth," Clash at 'The Match' in Florida on the 25th

Phil Mickelson (right) and Tiger Woods.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Woods is my partner."

Veteran Phil Mickelson (USA) expressed his gratitude on the Dan Patrick Show, a U.S. sports program, on the 12th (Korean time), saying, "There is no disagreement that Woods was the key figure in growing the world professional golf tour," and "I also benefited from that." This is surprising given that Mickelson and Woods are famously rivals. Since they played on the same team during the 2004 Ryder Cup and lost twice, they have never teamed up in a match again.

Mickelson was actually overshadowed as his prime overlapped with the "Returned Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA). Although he has won 44 times on the PGA Tour, he has been runner-up 36 times and finished third 28 times. However, in 2018, ahead of the Masters, they practiced together, creating a warm scene. Major U.S. media reported that "the two players' practice round was the first in 20 years since the 1998 LA Open."

The 2016 Ryder Cup victory for the U.S. was a turning point. Woods served as vice-captain and Mickelson as a player. Mickelson said, "We often talked on the phone while preparing for the tournament," and added, "I had great respect for Woods' meticulous consideration," and "In fact, thanks to Woods, the era of $1 million prize money began." It is interesting that Mickelson left a handwritten note in the locker room last year congratulating Woods on winning the Masters.

Mickelson and Woods will compete on the 25th at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida, USA, in "The Match: Champions for Charity." This is an upgraded version of "Capital One's The Match: Tiger vs. Phil," held in November 2018 at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mickelson won after a fierce battle that went to the fourth hole of sudden death, taking home the entire $9 million prize.

This time, NFL stars Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (both USA) will join, competing in teams of two. Mickelson-Brady and Woods-Manning will play the front nine in four-ball format (each player plays their own ball and the better score counts), and the back nine in a modified foursomes format (two players tee off, choose the better ball, then alternate shots). The $10 million (?12.28 billion) proceeds will be donated to the COVID-19 relief fund.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.