A svelte Phil Mickelson has fronted the media and spoke about his radical weight loss.
Golf fans were left gasping at the sight of the legend who claimed he was in the “best shape” he’s been in a very long time.
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Speaking ahead of the Saudi International, the 52-year-old revealed he had returned to the same weight he was when he was at college.
“I have a whole different energy, whole different excitement,” he said.
“I’ve been rejuvenated. Best shape I’ve been in in a long time. I’m back to my college weight. It allows me to recover faster after I play.”
In an interview with Sports Illustrated on Monday, Mickelson went into more detail about his stunning transformation.
“I’m stronger than I’ve probably (ever) been in my career. I lost 20-plus pounds (around 10kgs). I’m flexible, recovering faster, ready to go,” he said.
Golf fans were ‘legitimately’ blown away by the sight of the trimmed-down Phil.
And some thought he was “unrecognizable”.
The golfing superstar sparked world-wide controversy when he joined the Saudi-backed LIV, but he has said he is at peace with his decision.
“I’m just putting last year out of my mind and disengaging. A lot of stuff happened, and I’m refocused on today and starting the year,” he told Sports Illustrated.
“If I were never to play another PGA Tour event, I’m totally at peace with it.
“I’m playing 19 events and I don’t know how many more. I’d actually rather scale down the number of tournaments, because I’m also in the four majors. That’s a lot of golf.
“But I’m motivated and excited to get started. All of these things create new energy. Having teammates to push each other. I’m motivated, but I don’t see the benefit of playing more.
“The tournaments where you are going to leave a mark are the majors. That creates a life memory. If I win another Tour event, who cares? It’s not like it’s going to do anything for how I look at my career.
“Another major would be a unique, special moment. That’s really where I want to thrive. And sure, it would mean a lot to win some LIV events because of the role I’ve played as it’s been created.”
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