Phil Mickelson Repays Kindness of Golf Influencer With an Offer He Can’t Refuse: ‘I’m Speechless’

In June 2010, just before the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, Phil Mickelson woke up in agonizing pain. He suddenly began experiencing intense joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. “I couldn’t get out of bed. I had swelling, stiffness in my joints, and couldn’t move, just excruciating pain.” Doctors eventually diagnosed him with psoriatic arthritis, and Mickelson realized that it was a combination of lifestyle, emotional stress, and poor choices with regard to his health that led the way to that diagnosis. He began treatment with Enbrel, a biologic drug that helps suppress the immune system and manage inflammation, and soon started feeling better.

Mickelson also inculcated lifestyle changes and adopted “coffee fasting” regimen as part of his health. This habit eventually inspired a coffee-related venture in the wellness industry for the golfer, as Mickelson co-founded For Wellness, a brand that focuses on high-quality health products that are a combination of functional and flavorful. Since then, Mickelson has stated, “I used to get sick every 2-3 months. Honestly, I have not been sick in 12 years.” While it had its own base, the growing brand needed a surge. Another five years later, Mickelson’s brand has found new life.

They have added a new partner that could potentially put the brand at the forefront of discussions regarding healthy intakes and longevity of performance. That partner is one with 1.16 million subscribers on YouTube.

During a recent 2v2 challenge video against Jon Rahm and Bills QB Josh Allen, Phil Mickelson approached his golf partner Grant Horvat with a warm smile, stating, “You have been so kind in introducing me to YouTube space, all of your subscribers and teaching me kind of like what this is all about.”

Horvat was visibly confused as to what was unfolding, but Lefty went ahead and explained his intention candidly. “You have been so kind to everybody at For Wellness. About using our product and promoting it, and so forth. We have been great partners on the course, and I want to be partners off the course. And everybody at For Wellness agrees. We are giving you equity in For Wellness, to be a partner in the company as a thank you for what you have meant to us.” Mickelson stated, much to the shock and delight of the young YouTube golfer.

Horvat posted the whole video on Instagram with the caption, “I’m speechless, Thank You.”

Horvat was shocked and ecstatic at the same time, and the duo confirmed the partnership with a hug. Horvat and Mickelson have been grinding it out together in the world of YouTube golf for some time.

The duo is occasionally seen in 2v2 series on YouTube in both Mickelson’s and Horvat’s channels. They had also partnered together at The Duels, an event at LIV Miami, where YouTube golfers teamed up with pros in a match play event. ​Phil Mickelson has openly praised Grant Horvat for his significant contributions to expanding golf’s reach through digital platforms like YouTube.

“There are other players who are on tour—Grant Horvat, Good Good—and other players who are bringing YouTube golf and making the game cool,” Mickelson said last year. “I think that’s huge as we try to continue supporting the growth of the game nationally and internationally.”

Phil Mickelson launched For Wellness in September 2020 alongside his longtime friend and performance coach Dave Phillips, who he credits with introducing him to the health benefits of coffee. Reflecting on its impact, Mickelson said, “Coffee has changed my life. I’ve made it the foundation of my entire health and wellness routine.”

Meanwhile, with Horvrat on board, For Wellness can look forward to growing strongly.

The future for For Wellness and Phil Mickelson

Bringing in Grant Horvat is a remarkable move by Phil Mickelson, as it would prove very beneficial to For Wellness. For Wellness was founded by Phil Mickelson and his longtime friend, Dave Phillips, as a brand that focuses on improving the quality of life for people. The idea is to get people to have healthier food in their bodies so that their quality of life is improved.

Horvat, since partnering with Phil Mickelson on a series of YouTube videos, has featured in a good number of videos promoting For Wellness products.

In one post, Phil Mickelson reaches out to get some Recovery Gummies, a For Wellness product, when Horvat states, “Every time I eat those, I start making birdies.” While meant partly in jest, Mickelson further emphasized that the Hydration Gummies prove useful when it is hot, and most of the LIV Players use these in such situations. The LIV circuit is known to take place in varying climate conditions.

For a growing brand, inviting a young and ambitious partner in Grant Horvat is a no-brainer. How do you think this will affect the For Wellness brand in the years to come?