"50-Year-Old Mickelson to Remain on PGA Tour" ... K.J. Choi and Furyk to "Split Time with Senior Tour"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Age is just a number."

This is the story of veteran Phil Mickelson (USA, photo), who celebrated his 50th birthday on the 17th (Korean time). The PGA Tour grants eligibility to the Champions (Senior) Tour after turning 50. However, Mickelson declared that he "still has enough competitiveness" and will remain on the PGA Tour. In fact, at age 47 in March 2018, he won the World Golf Championships (WGC) Series Mexico Championship, and added a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last February.

This is why Mickelson is aiming to become the 8th '50-plus champion' in PGA Tour history, following Sam Snead, Craig Stadler, Fred Funk, John Barnum, James Barnes, Davis Love III, and Art Wall Jr. He is even confident enough to challenge Snead's record as the oldest winner at age 52. His long drive averaging 300 yards is the starting point. His performance in all areas?iron shots, remarkable short game, and putting?remains at the top level of the tour.

Moreover, Mickelson still has the tremendous goal of becoming the sixth 'Career Grand Slammer' in global golf history. Over nine years, he collected three different major championship trophies: the Masters in 2004, the PGA Championship in 2005, and The Open Championship in 2013. Interestingly, he finished runner-up six times at the US Open?in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013?highlighting a truly 'persistent bitter rivalry.'

The US Open, originally scheduled for June, has been postponed to September 17 this year due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Although Mickelson, currently ranked 66th in the world, has not secured a spot, the US Open organizing committee is fortunately considering a 'special invitation.' Recently, he revealed his hunter instinct by meeting Kyle Berkshire, the world long drive champion, to learn the secrets of long driving. Considering his age, time is running out.

Meanwhile, 'Tank' K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom) and Jim Furyk (USA) will start playing on the Champions Tour concurrently this year. Choi, armed with a one-year seed awarded to players who have made over 300 cuts, has declared his participation in the RBC Heritage starting on the 19th and the Memorial Tournament on the 17th of next month. His Champions Tour debut will be at the Ellie Challenge on July 31. Furyk also introduced that "I will focus on the PGA Tour until the playoffs (PO), but I plan to participate in several Champions Tour events."

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