'Eternal Number 2' Mickelson "Out of World Ranking 'Top 100' for the First Time in 28 Years~"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Time waits for no one."

The '51-year-old veteran' Phil Mickelson (USA, photo) dropped from 98th to 101st in the official weekly golf world rankings announced on the afternoon of the 8th (Korean time), receiving 1.41 points. It is interesting that after rising to 65th place in the world rankings immediately following his win at the PGA Tour's The International in August 1993, he has fallen outside the top 100 for the first time in 27 years and 7 months. He has claimed a total of 44 wins including 6 major championships and maintained a position in the 'top 100' for 1,425 weeks.

Mickelson has never reached number 1. He was blocked by the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA), staying at 2nd place for 270 weeks. After achieving his 44th win at the 2019 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he began a downward trajectory. By the end of last year, he had fallen to 66th place, and three months later, he moved further away from the top 100. This year, he participated in four world ranking point events?three PGA Tour and one European Tour?but only twice finished within the top 50.

It is worth noting that Mickelson conquered three different major tournaments over nine years: the Masters in 2004, the PGA Championship in 2005, and The Open Championship in 2013. The US Open remains the final puzzle for him to become the sixth 'Career Grand Slam' winner in global golf history. He has been runner-up six times?in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013?causing frustration, and as he ages, the probability of winning is gradually decreasing.

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