Though many fans are aware of the greatness of Phil Mickelson, his hard-working mindset isn’t talked about much in the golf world. The left-handed golfer has been in the spotlight since his college days. However, his commitment to becoming great in the sport goes back to his youth. His sister, Tina Mickelson, once shared a thanksgiving story from their childhood which depicts Phil’s competitive mindset.

Mickelson’s road to the epitome of the sport of golf was no joke. The 52-year-old spent enough hard work and dedication to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Though he never became the world number-one golfer, Phil has 45 wins to his name which also include his six Major titles.

To achieve such a feat in golf, Mickelson’s preparation began long before his triumphs in the PGA Tour or even NCAA. More so, Lefty chose to play golf instead of attending a Thanksgiving dinner.

Phil Mickelson chose golf over Thanksgiving

Most people wait eagerly for Thanksgiving dinner. The season of thankfulness is what brings joy and a feeling of togetherness to most people. However, Mickelson had other plans for Thanksgiving during his youth. While living in San Diego with his parents, Phil sneaked out of his house to play golf. “My parents were hosting Thanksgiving dinner and had told him he couldn’t play golf”, revealed his sister Tina in the later years.

Nonetheless, after sneaking out, the future Hall of Famer then decided to go downtown to a golf club named Stardust Country Club (now known as Riverwalk). Moreover, he even paid one of his neighbors to take him to downtown San Deigo. However, Phil’s joy of golf was short-lived as he was spotted by his parents who came searching for him in the golf cart.

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His sister added, “They made him get in the cart, and as they drove home, Phil knew he was in trouble”. But a young Mickelson had a different plan. After being scolded by his parents, Phil said, “Good golfers are a dime a dozen. I’m good now. But if I don’t practice today, there are other people who are practicing. They’re getting better while I’m not”.

Tina then ended by saying, “That was his mentality. My parents had a hard time disagreeing with that. It made them look at the situation in a different way”. Undoubtedly, Phil Mickelson has proved his parents wrong. In fact, his parents chuckle every time they reminisce the story now.

If Mickelson managed to grasp so many accolades with all the challenges he faced, imagine how untouchable he would be if his parents did let him practice more. Regardless, Phil has embedded himself as an all-time great and also has a lot more left in him.

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