Hearing the name Phil Mickelson automatically makes you think of a prankish man. And someone who is not ready to step back from his personality at such an age has to have a mischievous childhood as well. Not all fans might be aware of this side of the golfer. But there was a time when Mickelson, who was still a kid, sneaked out to practice golf. And his explanation of what he did was enough to showcase his passion for the game.

When little Phil Mickelson sneaked out for a special reason,

Phil Mickelson is one of the most controversial players in the world of golf. The six-time major winner has made millions of fans for his performances on the field. But true fans of the golfer are aware of a rather naughty side of the golf star.

Mickelson, who is popular for pranking other players on the field during tournaments, once did something unexpected as a kid. According to GolfChannel, there was a time when Mickelson secretly got out of his house on Thanksgiving when he was just 14 years old.

The golfer lived in San Diego, and after slipping out of his house, he asked a neighbor to drive him to the golf course. And the reason was pretty simple – he wanted to practice his golf shots. However, when his mother found out why he missed the Thanksgiving dinner, she demanded answers.

And what the golfer said in his defense forced his mother Mary to be okay with his decision. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gone,” Mickelson said. “But Ben Hogan said that every day you don’t practice is one day longer before you achieve greatness.” Ben Hogan, who passed away in 1997, was one of the greatest there were in the field of golf. And after hearing the little boy’s reason to slip out on Thanksgiving, Mary could do nothing but say, “Oh, all right then.”

Read More: Phil Mickelson Once Comfortably Won a $1000 Bet, But Returned the Money: Here’s Why

Mickelson was one of the finest players on the PGA Tour. But the golfer didn’t have to think twice before switching to LIV Golf for the rest of his career. He might have lost a few fans after he transitioned to the new Saudi circuit. But his spirits are still high for the growth and betterment of the game as a whole. Well, that’s how Mickelson is as a person.

Watch This Story: Golf World Strongly Upset Over Latest Phil Mickelson Tweet