Phil Mickelson has had his share of public controversies in recent years. His defection to LIV Golf, paired with his outspoken comments about the PGA Tour’s “obnoxious greed,” ruffled many feathers. He also faced a slew of personal revelations, including tell-all books that exposed the depths of his gambling addiction and other personal struggles. He even took a jibe at Scottie Scheffler, saying #1 would not win until the Ryder Cup this year, and was criticized for it. Despite all this, one fact remains—Phil Mickelson has a heart of gold.
Remember the time when Mark Baldwin had “the coolest experience” of his golf life after Mickelson agreed to meet him for an impromptu short game clinic and both a nine-hole and 18-hole match in California. People claimed at the time that Lefty did it for the PR but that wasn’t the case. He worked with Baldwin from 8 am until dark. Shot hundreds of balls, 18 holes, and did more practice after. Not a single camera around. It was “just a legend helping out a guy trying to make it,” as quoted by Ryan French, a fellow golfer who is also known for his X account Monday Q School.
So, needless to say, Lefty is well known for his generosity and mentorship. Recently, French shared his own story featuring Mickelson in the recent episode of Golf’s Subpar, French opened up about how Mickelson helped him during one of the darkest times in his career, providing guidance that would help him regain his passion for the game.
How did Phil Mickelson help French get out of a rut?
French had found himself in a deep rut. “I was in dark places—like, quit the game, dark places,” he recalled, describing his struggles during a difficult period in his golfing journey. Though he had always been an accomplished golfer, he couldn’t shake the frustration of poor performances on the course.
“I’m an okay ball striker, but to shoot 85 every time is rough,” French shared, detailing the emotional toll his game had taken. Add to that the dreaded yips that plagued his short game. “I literally cannot keep a ball on the green,” French admitted, recalling an agonizing moment when he found himself chipping in front of his idol, Phil Mickelson, only to falter terribly.
That day, French had the rare chance to play with Mickelson, but things did not go as he’d hoped. “We’re like 10 feet away from a green, and I’m chunking and skulling chips across the green. I hit 10, and I didn’t keep one on the green. And I’m in front of Phil Mickelson, the greatest golfer, and that’s how I met him,” French recalled, his voice tinged with both embarrassment and humor.
Mickelson’s response was blunt: “Oh, this is more [ __ ] up than I thought.” It was a humbling moment for French, but little did he know that Mickelson’s help would soon be the turning point he desperately needed. Rather than dismissing the incident, Mickelson offered his help. “Phil gave me a Phil Mickelson rain suit, and Phil Mickelson was giving me lessons. His mind—that’s a moment, that’s a mind [ __ ],” French reflected. Mickelson’s approach to coaching was simple yet effective.
Of my golf life” They played a 9-hole match last night. Phil invited him to his house this morning to help w short game and now they are playing an 18-hole match.
Amazing of Phil. One of the best players of our time helping a guy get ready for 2nd stage. Truly unreal. pic.twitter.com/TDfBJ1mVIi
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) November 12, 2023
He focused on technique and the mental side of golf, helping French regain his confidence. “He just gave me, like, when I had the yips, it was like every chip was different. Like, I would think, ‘Oh, I’m going to put my weight here, hands here,’” French explained. Mickelson’s advice was grounded in simplicity: “It’s all speed down to your pocket,” a mantra that helped French refocus and get back on track with his short game.
Lefty taught Ryan French a valuable lesson
Through this process, French learned that even if he did mess up or yip a chip, it wasn’t the end of the world. “Even if I yip it, I’m doing the right things,” Mickelson assured him. Mickelson’s impact didn’t stop with just a few lessons. “Phil’s helped a bunch of players quietly,” French acknowledged. It is true. “He’s been super good to me,” French said, expressing deep gratitude for Mickelson’s unspoken mentorship.
The weekend spent with Mickelson wasn’t just about technical lessons; it was about rebuilding French’s mental game. Mickelson spent an entire weekend helping French improve, starting with a nine-hole match followed by a short-game tune-up and another 18 holes. Mickelson’s commitment to helping French was genuine, and the experience became one of the most impactful moments of French’s golfing life.
“I still think you should have gone and seen the shaman,” French joked later, alluding to a running joke with friends about seeking alternative methods before Mickelson’s intervention. But the truth was, Mickelson’s guidance was what truly changed French’s path.
Phil Mickelson’s quiet acts of kindness and mentorship may not always make headlines, but they reveal a side of him that often goes unnoticed. While the drama surrounding his career continues to capture attention, his positive influence on fellow golfers is a reminder of the real legacy Mickelson is building—one that is far more significant than any controversy.
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