Phil Mickelson's 30th Masters Appearance Culminates in His Best Final Round

Mickelson, who withdrew from last year’s Masters Tournament as he took criticism for joining LIV Golf, earned a measure of redemption from fans by finishing in a tie for second place.

Phil Mickelson's 30th Masters Appearance Culminates in His Best Final Round

As Phil Mickelson began his 30th appearance at the Masters Tournament, he received a muted, almost indifferent, applause at the first tee on Thursday. This reception was not unique to him, as all members of the controversial, Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit were being treated similarly during the opening round. As he walked down the first fairway, the fans surrounding him remained silent, almost as if giving him the silent treatment. However, things were different on Sunday afternoon during the final round of the 2023 Masters. As Mickelson sunk a birdie putt on the 18th green, he pumped his left fist twice and barked something to himself. The roar of thousands of fans standing on their feet, chanting his name, drowned out his words. He finished the tournament tied for second at eight under par, waved to the crowd and smiled broadly, perhaps aware of how much had changed in four days.The palpable undercurrent to this year’s Masters, the sport’s most watched tournament and the initial men’s major of the year, was the first head-to-head match between the LIV rebels and the pros aligned with the entrenched PGA Tour at the venerable Augusta National Golf Club, which in every way epitomizes traditional golf. Mickelson has always been the headliner of the defectors, and he took the brunt of the heat for turning his back on the established golf world last year — so much so that he voluntarily withdrew from the 2022 Masters.

ickelson tied for second with Brooks Koepka, whom he plays with on the LIV Golf

And now, after his best final round ever at the tournament, Mickelson, the three-time Masters champion, was being feted as if nothing had changed, with delirious cheers. As his playing partner Sunday, Jordan Spieth, said afterward: “It felt very much like eight, nine or 10 years ago.” Spieth also played well on Sunday, shooting 66 to Mickelson’s 65, and he had firsthand experience of what it was like to play with Mickelson years ago.ordan Spieth, who tied for fourth at seven under par, commented that playing with Mickelson on Sunday didn't feel much different than before. This year's Masters showed that despite expectations, LIV Golf players did not lose but instead took three spots in the top 10, including Brooks Koepka tying with Mickelson. The low television ratings for LIV events in the United States were temporarily overshadowed as Mickelson led the conversation on LIV's relevance. Mickelson's stamina and confidence during the final round proved his prediction that he was "about to go on a tear." His success in the tournament reaffirms his skill and ability, rather than being a fluke, as he remained calm and present throughout.Mickelson was smiling, even beaming. He understood the moment as he stood in front of the Augusta National clubhouse wearing the logos of the LIV team he captains — the HyFlyers — on his hat and a breast of his black pullover. “Like this is so much fun,” he said. “Again, we’re all grateful that we’re able to play and compete here.”

Mickelson, playing in the second round, had not played well on the LIV Golf tour, but said he was confident going into the Masters

He added a subtle, yet cheeky and revealing, comment — what else would you expect from a Phil Mickelson news conference? — that was made plainly accurate by his performance and those of others in LIV’s wing of professional golf. “I think it’s tremendous for this tournament to have all the best players in the world here,” he said with another grin. “It means a lot.Mickelson's performance, along with other LIV golfers, made a statement at the 2023 Masters, confirming that the expected rift between the two tours did not materialize. While not all LIV representatives were as well-liked as Cameron Smith, the golfers from both tours got along. This year's Masters proved that the LIV circuit is here to stay, which is not necessarily a positive development for the golf community as it may result in diluted tournament fields, except at the majors. The cheers for Mickelson were genuine, but they may have also signaled the absence of other big names. The Masters demonstrated that golf fans miss seeing everyone back together again.

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