Chat with the Champ: Mickelson tells favorite food, athletes and football team

Jan. 31, 2006

Editor's note: Phil Mickelson defends his title at the FBR Open this week, the first of four title defenses for the reigning PGA champ in 2006. He took time out recently with PGA TOUR media official Joan Alexander for another edition of Chat with the Champ.

PGATOUR.com: What was your childhood ambition?

MICKELSON: To be a winner on the PGA TOUR

PGATOUR.com: What was you first job?

MICKELSON: Picking range balls at Mission Trails Golf Curse in San Diego at age 8

PGATOUR.com: Name the last concert you attended.

MICKELSON: Celine Dion in Las Vegas.

PGATOUR.com: What has been your proudest moment?

MICKELSON: 6 p.m., April 11, 2004

PGATOUR.com: How many TVs do you have in your house?

MICKELSON: Six. It’s a big house.

PGATOUR.com: What did you do on your first date with your wife?

MICKELSON: We played tennis.

PGATOUR.com: What’s your favorite food?

MICKELSON: Lobster ravioli with tarragon cream sauce and garlic bread

PGATOUR.com: Tell us the approximate number of golf clubs you have at your house?

MICKELSON: 700

PGATOUR.com: What’s your favorite candy bar?

MICKELSON: Snickers

PGATOUR.com: As a "chef" in the kitchen, what's your specialty?

MICKELSON: On any breakfast item, I’m nails

PGATOUR.com: Have you ever caught a foul ball or home run ball at a major league baseball game?

MICKELSON: No

PGATOUR.com: What is the best place you’ve ever visited?

MICKELSON: Venice, Italy

PGATOUR.com: Name your favorite course.

MICKELSON: Whisper Rock in Scottsdale, Arizona and Augusta National Golf Club

PGATOUR.com: What’s the best Shot of Your Career?

MICKELSON: A 2-iron 228 yards off a sidehill lie, over water to the 17th green in the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama and final tee shot at the 2005 PGA Championship

PGATOUR.com: Who would be in your dream foursome?

MICKELSON: My children, Amanda, Sophia and Evan, with Amy as our fifth

PGATOUR.com: Who’s your favorite male athlete?

MICKELSON: Muhammad Ali

PGATOUR.com: Who’s your favorite female athlete?

MICKELSON: Nancy Lopez

PGATOUR.com: What’s your favorite sporting event – non-golf?

MICKELSON: The Chargers winning a Super Bowl