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Phil Mickelson, Who is Right-Handed at ‘Everything Else,’ Plays Golf as ‘Lefty’ Only Because He Really Can

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Phil Mickelson is undoubtedly the best left-handed player the world of golf has ever seen. His skill at the sport is unmatched. Despite being a right-handed person in regular life, Mickelson chooses to use his left hand to play golf. However, he once tried playing with his right hand.

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Mickelson started playing golf at just the ripe age of 18 months old. Phil is popularly known as ‘Lefty’. Although, in general life, Mickelson is right-handed.

Phil Mickelson and his experience playing as a ‘righty!’

Popularly called ‘Lefty’, Phil Mickelson once described how he started playing with his left hand.

Interestingly, Mickelson uses his right hand for everything else, except for golf. In order to challenge himself more, he started out playing with his left hand!

Thus, gradually with time, the pro golfer evolved into the famous ‘Lefty’ he is today. Explaining the reasons behind this change, Mickelson said that playing with the right hand is much easier than the left. He also imagined the contrast of his game that would have been the case if he was playing with his right hand naturally.

Oct 28, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Phil Mickelson walks up to the 10th green during the first round of the season finale of the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
He was once asked about his experience while trying out the game with his right hand. Phil said, “When I started playing I wanted to make it more challenging so I started playing left-handed. It’s fun for me now to go back and see just how easy the game is right-handed. I’m right-handed at everything else”

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He also explained the technicalities involved and how different hands determine different shots. All in all, Mickelson would probably not have it the other way anytime soon.

Mickelson once talked about his feud with Woods

Phil and Tiger have not always been on the best of terms. This duo’s relationship has undergone several upheavals so far. However, they seem to find their way around each time. The ups and downs faced them have changed and grown their relationship to various extents.

Tiger Woods calls Phil Mickelson’s comments on PGA Tour divisive and polarizing | Courtesy: Reuters Images

Even after their tumultuous history, Mickelson wouldn’t have it any other way and he made it clear. Mickelson when asked about the same talked about how Tiger Woods helped him to push himself harder each time and improve his game.

He said,He brought out the best in me…But, I wouldn’t have pushed myself as hard.”

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What do you think about Mickelson’s style of playing and how he evolved himself to play as a lefty? Share your views in the comments section below.