Phil Mickelson is undoubtedly an extrovert. Not only does he have fun in the golfing world, but he has also found new ways to enjoy his favorite sport. He gave his fans a big treat in 2018 with the first edition of ‘The Match,’ where he faced off against arguably his biggest rival, Tiger Woods.

However, Mickelson didn’t just play in the televised exhibition charity series; he was also involved in its conception. And although he has since cut ties with the series, he’s walked away with a bag full of anecdotes. And one such one is a very interesting behind-the-scenes story from the streets of Hollywood that once found its way to Mickelson’s fan-pleasing chat show, “Phireside with Phil”!

Phil Mickelson once helped a Hollywood story unravel

A few years ago, Lefty would post short videos online of a series he called ‘Phireside with Phil’. In it, the 6-time major winner would narrate a few interesting stories from his time on the course and interview friends from inside and outside of the golfing world. In one such segment of the show in 2020, Mickelson was joined by Bryan Zuriff, an executive producer of The Match and of other television series, sporting events, and movies like War Dogs, Ray Donavan, Jobs, and others.

It’s safe to say that Zuriff had many Hollywood tales; the golf pro, however, was interested in one from the sets of the 1972 movie Deliverance, involving Jon Voight and the superstar Burt Reynolds. The producer began his story by stating that back on set of the movie, both the actor’s personal assistants had brought their chairs with their names on them. And surprisingly, Reynolds went and sat on Voight’s chair.

Jon was, of course, perplexed, as he didn’t know what to do since Burt was the biggest movie star of the time, or in Zuriff’s words, the “Tom Cruise of that moment,” while he himself was just a buddying actor. Voight approached him politely, telling him that he was sitting in his chair and he wasn’t sure what to do. On hearing this, Reynold replied, “Jon, I am sitting on your chair, so I can look my name on my chair.”

The hilarious story brought out chuckles all around and even brought out Mickelson’s witty side. Drawing on the chair incident from the story, he stated, “Speaking of which, that chair has my name, but I am fine with you sitting there.”

Also Read – ‘Greatest One-Liner Ever’: Golf Fans Side With Phil Mickelson Over Tiger Woods After a Hilarious Banter Between Them Resurfaces

Strories as such showcase how Mickelson was involved in a lot more than just golf back in the day. From his own online series, Phireside with Phil, to helping birth ‘The Match’, he has undoubtedly left his mark in entertaining the golf world. However, it seems like that’s now all in the past; after all, he even had to cut ties with the exhibition series.

Why has Mickelson moved on from the show he helped conceptualize?

“The Match” series continues until today and has so far done 8 episodes. The latest one was between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in June of this year. However, Phil has broken his ties with the show since joining LIV, since the series is mostly involved with the PGA Tour.

Speaking about Mickelson’s involvement, Zuriff said last year, “Phil was a phenomenal partner, and he helped build this thing. He was really good in this show. But he chose an opportunity and has taken a different path. Our show lives on because people like it.”

Even though he now isn’t part of it, Mickelson has ensured least fans have lots to enjoy, from his big face-off with Woods, where he triumphed after 22 holes that also included four playoff holes, to other anecdotes like this. What do you think about this Hollywood tale? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story – PGA Tour Gets Slammed Over Creepy Charlie Woods Obsession