It feels like ages since we heard about Phil Mickelson winning any title. Considering his performance in the past three years in the Saudi-funded league, the clouds of disappointment seem persistent. While some may argue that it is time for the legendary golfer to hang up his clubs, teammates like Brendan Steele, who seems to be his biggest fan, continue to keep hope alive.
Three-time PGA Tour winner Brendan Steele, who shifted to LIV Golf brought his first title home by winning LIV Golf Adelaide. Steele recently appeared on the latest episode of LIV Golf’s Fairway to Heaven podcast, joining Jerry Foltz and Su-Ann Heng. During the conversation, the topic of Mickelson’s consistently degrading performance popped up. However, Steele made his stance clear, supporting Mickelson.
The golfer said, “I saw it all year; I know it didn’t come out during the tournaments as much as we would have liked. He (Mickelson) played really well in Saudi, which was great. But the game that I saw all season from him is indicative of the way he can play, and I think the way he will play next year.” Ever since joining the Saudi Funded League, Steele has been a part of Mickelson-led HyFlyers GC and holds nothing but pure admiration for Mickelson.
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Showing his gratitude towards Mickelson, Steele said, “He’s the reason that I’m here and the reason that I’m improving. To be honest, I’m 41 years old, and I’m getting better, and it’s mostly because of him.” When asked about his relationship with Mickelson, Steele wasted no time and said, “Phil is a hero of mine and a mentor.” The bond between Steele and Mickelson has only grown stronger over time.
Though they officially became teammates in 2022 with the formation of HyFlyers GC, Steele revealed that Mickelson has been a great support for him for the past 15 years, both on and off the course. The golfer reflected that Mickelson has been very generous with him, sharing his time and knowledge with him. All of this has proved to be very beneficial for Steele. He reflected that in Adelaide they stayed in a house together, and all the work that Lefty did with him in the off-season was what led to that beautiful victory in Australia.
Before winning his title, Steele understandably had his doubts. Nevertheless, all those doubts quickly faded away after having a chat with his mentor. Reflecting on Mickelson’s advice, Steele recalled that 6x major winner suggested he “reframe” his thoughts to “let’s make it when I play freely, I can play freely, I will play freely. Let’s reframe it into that.”
Unlike other golfers, Steele was a late starter of the sport. Despite that, he has managed to solidify his status in the golf realm, with more than 10 worldwide victories, including the Adelaide one. While his efforts and skills shown on the course were commendable, this was not the first time he spoke highly of Mickelson.
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Phil Mickelson sure knows how to be a team player
While Mickelson had a poor season this year. His best finish was T6, which he achieved in Jeddah, but his lack of luster season has not held him back from supporting his juniors. Lefty has shown great sportsmanship by standing beside his teammates through every ups and downs, making him a great captain. Seeing Mickelson from Steele’s lens comes out to be entirely different. When he won in Australia, he bestowed the veteran golfer with a lot of praise.
“I lean on Phil pretty hard with everything, with how to hit shots around the green, how to approach things,” he said. “He’s one of the best players ever, and he can give me advice. If he’s going to give me advice, I’m going to take it,” said Steele in Adelaide.
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Whether it’s about dealing with the technicalities of sports or any mental pressure, Mickelson is Steele’s go-to person. The win in Adelaide was Steele’s first time in more than six years. Following the win Steele and Mickelson shared a warm hug, the latter telling him “how proud he is” of him.
What are your thoughts on Steele’s and Mickelson’s unique bond? Let us know in the comments below.
