Since the early 2000s, the rivalry between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson has captivated golf fans. Both players were among the best in their era, frequently breaking records and dominating the sport.
Over time, their rivalry became a more lighthearted exchange between two seasoned competitors. However, the dynamic shifted when Mickelson transitioned to LIV Golf, creating a noticeable rift between him and Woods, who remained steadfastly loyal to the PGA Tour.
Woods’s dedication to the PGA Tour has earned him the position of PGA Tour Enterprise Vice Chairman. In contrast, Mickelson’s allegiance to LIV Golf has led to a strained relationship between the two golfers.
At the 152nd Open Championship, their interaction was notably awkward, reflecting the tension brought about by their differing affiliations. During a press conference at The Open, Mickelson mentioned that he and Woods exchanged brief greetings but did not have an opportunity for a more substantial conversation.
Despite the strained interaction, Mickelson performed notably better than Woods at the 152nd Open. Mickelson managed to make the cut and continued to compete over the weekend, whereas Woods missed the cut, continuing a pattern of recent poor performances in majors. This event marked a rare instance where Mickelson outperformed Woods, a contrast to their usual competition where Woods has often had the upper hand.
In their careers, Woods and Mickelson have had limited direct head-to-head matchups in competitive events. This scarcity led to their memorable exhibition match in 2020, “The Match,” where they played against each other with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady as their partners.
During this event, Mickelson’s playful jabs at Woods were met with sharp retorts, including Woods’s pointed reminder of Mickelson’s lack of a U.S. Open title, a fact that visibly unsettled Mickelson.
The 152nd Open Championship provided Mickelson with an opportunity for a form of revenge. Despite Woods’s history of outshining Mickelson in many past encounters, this tournament allowed Mickelson to gain the upper hand, showing that even after years of rivalry and differing paths, Mickelson could still compete effectively against Woods.
