LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson reacts to making Masters history on 30th appearance

Phil Mickelson says 'it means a lot' to still be able to compete at Augusta National after creating more Masters history.

LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson reacts to making Masters history on 30th appearance
LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson reacts to making Masters history on 30th…

Phil Mickelson says 'it means a lot' to still be able to compete at Augusta National after creating history at the 2023 Masters.

Mickelson charged up the leaderboard on Sunday and posted a 7-under 65, his only blemish coming at No. 5.

It was his only bogey alongside eight birdies. His round is the lowest in Masters history by a player aged 50 or older. 

Mickelson became the oldest men's player to win a major when he captured the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island at the age of 50.

Since leaping into the air and hugging his brother and caddie Tim after that incredible moment, Mickelson's life has been somewhat tumultuous. 

He was embroiled in controversy when the comments he made about working with the Saudis and forming a breakaway tour went public.

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LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson reacts to making Masters history on 30th appearance

Mickelson essentially admitted to being complicit in sportswashing and acknowledged the Saudi government murdered a journalist. 

Despite that, Mickelson said he was happy to overlook their actions because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-shape the PGA Tour. 

Mickelson apologised for his reckless remarks and also acknowledged how gambling had affected his personal life. 

That change to the PGA Tour has come in spades and Mickelson is now a key part of the LIV Golf. He captains his own team called the Hy Flyers.

At this 87th Masters, Mickelson cut a low-profile, although he was decked out in his Hy Flyers clothing. 

He received a warm reception from the patrons and was sublime on Sunday, playing alongside Jordan Spieth.

Mickelson said:

"To come out today and play the way I did and hit the shots when I needed, it's so much fun. I'm grateful to be a part of this tournament and to be here competing and then to play well, it means a lot."

LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson reacts to making Masters history on 30th appearance

What does this mean going forward?

"Hopefully it's a stepping stone. I know I've been playing really well. I've been shooting low scores back home. I've been playing consistently well.
"When I've been competing, I have not been staying present. I haven't been letting it happen, kind of forcing it. I just haven't been scoring the way I know I can."
"Today is hopefully a stepping stone to really kick start the rest of the year and continue some great play because I have a unique opportunity.
"At 52, no physical injuries, no physical problems, being able to swing a club the way I want to, to do things in the game that not many people have had a chance to do later in life.
"I've kind of really worked hard in the off-season to get in shape, to get ready for this upcoming season, and I'm out there hitting shots and not scoring.
"So it's been frustrating. Today was really a fun day. Hopefully I'll be able to use this again as a springboard for the rest year."

This was Mickelson's 30th appearance at The Masters. In an illustrious career, he has won the green jacket three times. 

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