There was a time when Phil Mickelson was famous (or infamous) for his unhealthy eating habits. He was at the butt-end of ridicule and fat shaming for a good part of his early career. Two decades later, the Lefty is slimmer and healthier courtesy of his intense workout regimen and diet. But that was not before his gluttony impacted his game.

In fact, Mickelson’s prodigious platter once shocked a Ryder Cup legend. Sitting at the same table with him was Tiger Woods with a modest plate of dinner. The difference between their attitude on and off the greens prompted the veteran golfer to make an odd comparison.

The “astonishing” binge-eater that Phil Mickelson was

Alan Shipnuck might not be the best of friends with Phil Mickelson. Well, at this point Mickelson might not want to see his name uttered in the same breath as Shipnuck. But the controversial Sports Illustrated writer has sure some great Mickelson story to tell. Actually, he has so many of them that he decided to write an ‘unauthorized’ biography on Lefty.

In Shipnuck’s, ‘Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar’, the six-time Major winner’s obvious eating habit came to the forefront. It even included Ryder Cup legend Sir Nick Faldo, who shared an astonishing Woods and Mickelson story. Mind you, this was a time long before the alleged Masters dinner snub; a time when the two American legends broke bread with each other.

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As per the 66-year-old veteran, “For a long time, Phil was an astonishing eater.” Woods, being a health-conscious athlete, ate skinless chicken and broccoli at a players’ dining. What about Lefty? “Phil had a triple bacon cheeseburger and a huge pile of french fries,” revealed the retired golfer. The massive difference between the platters also reflected the difference in attitude towards the game. “(T)hat right there was the difference between them.”

Mickelson has transformed himself so much that all these sound like ancient history. However, it’s been only a decade or so since the golfer was berated for his unhealthy diet. Makes one wonder what’s the secret to this.

Phil Mickelson’s insane weight loss journey

If you were to ask Mickelson about this, he would perhaps credit his coffee more than anything. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee, that seems to be his mantra. But there is more to the story. Phil Mickelson’s coffee, which is more of a health drink, came into the equation after he was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.

Read More: How Did Phil Mickelson Lose Weight? All About His Journey From Looking ‘Pregnant’ to Being the Most Envied 53YO Pro Golfer

Along with that, he changed his diet and started hitting the gym with a vigorous intensity. He has spoken about how intermittent fasting changed his life. The 52-year-old golfer also started lifting and followed an intense speed training routine. It was a long and arduous journey that helped him become the oldest Major winner when he won the PGA Championship in 2021 at 52 years of age.

Although the veteran golfer has come a long way since the forgetful days of binge eating, the funny memories still linger in many golf insiders’ memories.

Watch this story: “Phuck yeah”: Phil Mickelson Finds His Way Back into Fans’ Hearts Despite His Latest Controversial Confession