Phil Mickelson told exactly what he is by Open fan after practice round gesture

Phil Mickelson delighted fans at Royal Troon with a memorable gesture after his practice round on Tuesday. In preparation for The Open Championship, Mickelson took the time to sign dozens of autographs and pose for pictures, creating a special moment for fans of all ages. One fan’s comment captured the sentiment: “That was brilliant what you did for those kids, well done.”

Mickelson, who was practicing alongside fellow LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm, David Puig, and Andy Ogletree, finished his session on the west coast of Scotland amid a cool, stiff wind. Rather than seeking shelter, he chose to spend about 20 minutes with the waiting fans, ensuring that everyone who wanted his autograph or a photo was not left disappointed.
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The 54-year-old golfer has a special connection to Royal Troon, having played a significant role in one of the most memorable Open Championships in recent history. In 2016, Mickelson was part of an epic duel with Henrik Stenson, where both players pulled ahead of the field. Stenson ultimately triumphed with an extraordinary final round of eight-under-par, securing his only major victory.

Reflecting on that competition, Mickelson recently shared his thoughts in an interview published on LIV’s website. “To go head-to-head with somebody I have so much respect for, even though I still came up short, I have this great life experience and this great memory and this great competition to look back on,” he said. “I loved the week. I loved playing like that. I want to play like that again. That’s why I’m working hard. I love competing and having a chance to win like that. Even though I came up short, I thought it was a lot of fun to be a part of that.”

The golfing landscape has significantly shifted since then. Mickelson, once one of the sport’s most admired figures, became a divisive figure due to his prominent role in the formation of the LIV Golf circuit. This controversial move relegated him to a more peripheral position within the golfing world.

However, with time, the tensions between the rival tours have eased. Mickelson’s continued popularity was evident from the large number of fans who waited patiently for his autograph and a selfie, showing how much he still means to them despite the upheavals in the sport.