Phil Mickelson shows true colours during interaction with golf fan at The Open

Golf legend Phil Mickelson delighted crowds at Royal Troon on Tuesday during his practice round for The Open Championship, leaving fans with lasting memories.

One observer praised Mickelson for his kindness, saying, “That was brilliant what you did for those kids, well done.” The six-time major champion was seen practicing on the Scottish course late in the afternoon, accompanied by fellow LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm, David Puig, and Andy Ogletree.

Following his practice session, which ended at the 18th hole amidst strong winds, Mickelson didn’t head straight to the clubhouse. Instead, he took time to engage with fans, signing autographs and taking selfies for about 20 minutes, ensuring everyone got their moment with him.

Mickelson’s connection to Troon is significant, as he played a key role in one of the most memorable Opens in recent history. In 2016, despite his best efforts, he finished second to Henrik Stenson after an intense final round where Stenson secured his only major win with an eight-under-par performance.

Reflecting on that epic showdown in an interview on LIV’s website, Mickelson said, “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. 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.”

Since then, the golfing landscape has changed dramatically. Mickelson, once a giant in the sport, has found himself somewhat sidelined due to his involvement with the controversial LIV Golf series. However, the tension between traditional tours and the LIV series appears to be easing over time.

Despite the controversy, Mickelson remains a beloved figure among golf fans, as evidenced by the large number of admirers eager for his autograph and a photo with the legendary player.