Phil Mickelson's Mum: "Not too many people recognise him"
Phil Mickelson's mum gives greater insight into how Lefty is feeling right now.
Phil Mickelson's mother Mary has given insight into how her son is currently feeling while on the sidelines during the PGA Championship, following a phone interview with USA TODAY Sports this week.
Mickelson, who bypassed the defence of his PGA Championship title at Southern Hills, is reportedly feeling relaxed while he contemplates his golf future, yet is practically unrecognisable at the moment.
"I didn’t recognise him at first," she told USA TODAY Sports over the phone.
"He had a little bit of a beard and mustache. I don’t ever remember him doing that before. Not too many people recognise him, so it’s been fun to be able to go out with him."
Mickelson, 51, has been on the sidelines ever since his controversial comments about Saudi Arabia and the PGA Tour came to light earlier this season. He has wanted to take some time out to reflect on things both on and off the golf course.
As a result of his remarks to biographer Alan Shipnuck, the majority of his sponsorship deals have ended or been frozen.
But the question on everyone's lips right now is will Lefty stick with the PGA Tour or twist to the LIV Golf Invitational Series run by Greg Norman when he eventually returns?
Mary cannot answer that, but she does believe her son is feeling much more content with life having spent some ample time with his family in recent months.
"I wish you could see him now," said Mary.
"He’s relaxed, he laughs all the time. He’s not on the phone with people that are calling him for this and that, and please play in this tournament, and it’s hard when you have to say no, when you don’t have the time to spend. But he has taken a lot of time with our family.
"Tim and Tina, his brother and sister, have mentioned that too. How happy he seems. How relaxed and comfortable. And if it means going through all of this…I’m happy for him.
"I think you’ll see a different person if he decides to come back and if he plays, someone who’s going to enjoy playing just to be playing.’’
She added: "We don’t talk about (golf) very much. I know when he comes to visit, we’re always in the backyard putting and chipping and just playing around. I guess he’s getting out there. I really don’t know for sure."
