Phil Mickelson delivers classic riposte to reporter over his huge weight loss

Phil Mickelson had a typical Phil Mickelson response to a reporter at the 2023 Masters about his weight loss.

07 Apr 2023

Phil Mickelson delivers classic riposte to reporter over his huge weight loss — Phil Mickelson delivers classic riposte to reporter over his huge weight…

By now you're likely familiar with the Phil Mickelson story post-February 2022.

We won't go into detail about what transpired and led to his self-imposed exile from the game.

But a sign Lefty is truly 'back' came after his opening round of the 2023 Masters at Augusta National.

Mickelson may have been quietly reserved during Scottie Scheffler's dinner, but he had the perfect Phil the Thrill response to this question.

In case it somehow escaped your attention, Mickelson is looking a lot skinnier these days.

Mickelson said - along with overall wellness - he was inspired by his Hy Flying teammates to lose some of the extra baggage.

He's lost 25lbs. How, exactly, did he do that? A fad diet? No carbs after a certain time? Intermittent fasting?

Nope.

"I stopped eating food," Mickelson joked.

He continued:

"That was a big help. I lost 25 pounds. Then I had -- I also lost muscle, so I had to start lifting, and I've been lifting and slowly have been getting my speed and strength back to where I need it to be.

"I'm just going to keep it going this year and continue down that path because, if you watch like some of these guys out here today, how far and how fast they're able to swing the club, it's really amazing. It doesn't mean that they're going to win.

"You still have to hit the shots and manage your way around the game, manage your game around the course, but I've got to be in shape to be able to have a speed that allows me to compete."

Mickelson carded a 1-under par opening round of 71 on his Masters return.

His round included some fireworks. He ripped a driver off the deck on No. 8. He almost holed it.

His response?

"Yeah, it was a terrible break."

Phil is back.

Sort of.

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