This year PGA tour announced the PGA Player Impact Program (PIP), which rewards the top 10 golfers for driving the attention towards the sport. While Phil Mickelson claims to have won the first prize, Ian Poulter won the ‘most engaged social media on Tour.’
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As Mickelson’s claim of winning the first prize has stirred up many discussions in the golf community, Poulter chose to announce his win in a rather interesting way.
On his Instagram, Poulter revealed that he is honored to be the most engaged social media on Tour.
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Although the first part of the caption seems regular, the rest is not! Ian added, “@philmickelson I will let you win the $8M whilst I win a donut.”
Watch This Story: How Old was Phil Mickelson When He Won His First Major?
He also added an animated photo of him and Mickelson, which added more fun to the already funny post.
Did Mickelson actually win the Player Impact Program?
On 29th December, Phil Mickelson took his Twitter to share with the world that he had won the Player Impact Program 2021. While many congratulated Phil on receiving such an honor, many didn’t believe his words.
I’d like to thank all the crazies (and real supporters too) for………………… Helping me win the PiP!! To get the 2nd half of the money I have to add an event I haven’t played in awhile. See you in Kapalua😘 🏌️♂️🏄♂️🏊 P.S. I’ll try and find another hot controversial topic soon👍
Since PGA Tour has yet to reveal the winner, people started questioning Mickelson’s claim. Some took it to the next level and contacted the PGA Tour.
The Golf magazine and Golf.com journalist Sean Zak retweeted a tweet from his coworker:
Claiming you’ve won the PIP before the final standings have been tabulated…just to juice your mentions even more. Chess, not checkers from @PhilMickelson
I asked PGAT about Mickelson claiming he won the $8m PIP bonus. Tour says PIP runs until end of year & there’s a weeks-long lag in reporting metrics, which means Tiger/PNC impact could still be outstanding. Then independent firm must verify. Mickelson might win but he hasn’t yet.
Even when Phil replied to the Twitter post of Sean Zak, he didn’t fully reveal whether he won the PIP or just played a move as Sean suggested.
Last minute move. Checkmate 😏
Can Phil Mickelson win the PIP?
In his thirty years of career, Phil Mickelson has never been this active like he was in 2021. He gave the golf world a lot to talk about.
To begin with, he won the Charles Schwab Championship.
So appreciative of Amy’s love and support as well as all the help from Tim and Andrew. Congrats to Bernhard who at 64 won a 6th Schwab Cup. A special week in Phoenix and thank you for so many great memories.
Mickelson made a 63-foot birdie followed by a 40-footer for par at the next hole at the Travelers Championship.
@PhilMickelson's 63' 8" birdie putt was his... ✔️ Longest putt of the season ✔️ 2nd longest putt made in the ShotLink era ✔️ 3rd putt made outside 60 ft. since 2003
Moreover, Mickelson became the oldest golfer to win a major championship by winning the 2021 PGA Championship.
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA; Phil Mickelson hoists the Wanamaker Trophy after he wins the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
Although PGA Tour hasn’t announced the winner yet, Mickelson indeed is a good contender to receive the reward of $8 million. Since a veteran like him has announced his win to the public, there is no reason to think otherwise.
Additionally, Ian Poulter’s comment on Mickelson’s winning money also ensures that Phil Mickelson is indeed the winner of the PGA Player Impact Program.