
via Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Phil Mickelson of the U.S. during the Pro-Am Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

via Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Phil Mickelson of the U.S. during the Pro-Am Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Phil Mickelson is known to be one of the cool-headed players in the golf world. He knows how to read a room and act accordingly. One such incident is when Mickelson dug his way out of a mistake with his amazing sense of humor.
The incident happened at the Muirfield Village Golf Club during the 2016 Memorial Tournament. Mickelson‘s tee shot on the par-5 15th hole didn’t go as planned and ended up hitting a volunteer’s head.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the YouTube video from the PGA Tour, one can see that the ball Lefty hit went far off from the fairway and to the audience. The commentators and the audience exclaimed together after the accident. “Lucky he has a hat on,” one of the commentators exclaimed.
Phil Mickelson makes a joke about the situation
The ball had bounced back after the collision and crossed the entire way to find rough on the opposite side. And Phil the Thrill wasn’t going to let the situation end on a sad note; hence, he used his humor to ease the mood.
Thanks @MickelsonHat for taking care of our laser operator, @JoshStansfield on 15 fwy @MemorialGolf @CallawayGolf. pic.twitter.com/YFBEC0q5Bf
— PGA TOUR ShotLink (@ShotLink) June 2, 2016
“If your head was a touch softer,” Mickelson said as he walked toward the volunteer to give out his signed glove as an apology. “I’d be in the fairway.” Moreover, he apologized to the victim and added, “Appreciate you being out here. And I appreciate the assistance.”
Read More: When Phil Mickelson Named His ‘3 Biggest Professional Regrets’
Phil Mickelson is known for being friendly to the audience members and his fellow competitors. The injury wasn’t serious, his joke helped lighten the mood and made everyone smile.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Did assistance from the volunteer help the golfer win the event?
The volunteers could have used the story to impress his peers if Mickelson had won the 2016 Memorial with his assistance. However, that didn’t happen. The golfer could only secure a T20 with his overall 10-under par 278. Notably, he scored an impressive 68-69-69 from the first three rounds and finished off with a 72.

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Phil Mickelson acknowledges the crowd after a putt on the fourth green during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports/REUTERS
Surprisingly, in his 30 year career, the 6-time major winner has never won a Memorial Tournament title. The closest he has reached the title was way back in 2010, when his double bogey at the par-5 15th hole made him settle at T5.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What did you think of Mickelson’s quick wit and humor and how he handled the situation?
Watch This Story: When Phil Mickelson Detailed His Trash Talk Struggles With Tiger Woods
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT