Lower weight leads to low score for Mickelson

LAS VEGAS – Phil Mickelson is a shadow of his former self. Weight wise that is.

The 44-time PGA TOUR winner has been shedding pounds and changing his lifestyle over the last few months – a move that seemed to coincide with poor results on the golf course.

But on Thursday at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, the 49-year-old Hall of Famer showed some glimpses of his best on the way to a 6-under 65.

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After winning the 2019 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, Mickelson has failed to produce another top 10 in 17 starts. In fact, his best finish was a T18 at the Masters in that stretch – and since leaving Augusta National in April, his best result was a lowly T48 at the BMW Championship.

Mickelson has turned his health philosophies around and is confident the hard work will pay off in all aspects of his life.

“I've had an awful six months on and off the course, but things are great now and I'm excited to play good golf. It takes a lot less energy, stress to perform well,” Mickelson said.

“I'm going to continue to make it a lifestyle change. I'm going to continue to eat better, eat less, work out more, just stay committed to it.”

Given everything he has achieved in the game and his age, the dramatic shift in thinking to change his shape came as a surprise to many. But Mickelson says the desire to compete for years and years to come, helped drive him the change.

“I have the greatest job in the world. I love playing the TOUR. I love the guys out here. I love the challenge of beating the guys out here,” he added.

“The challenge of playing golf at the highest level brings out the best in me. Meaning, it forces me to get it the best shape, forces me to work hard and to focus on something positive, improving my game. It gives me a direction, and it's been a big part of my life and I love it.”

Mickelson won’t divulge exactly how much more he wants to lose, but he claims his slenderer frame won’t affect him hitting the “bombs” he’s been talking up over the last 12 months.

In recent years, Mickelson actually increased his swing speed and distance.

“When I first lost 25, 30 pounds I ended up not being as strong, but I've been in the gym now for the last quite a few weeks. The amount that I lift is now significantly more than it was before,” he said in response to a question about losing his power.

“Eating and working out and life-styles are very personal and everybody needs to find what's works for them. It's taken me a little while. Ultimately we all need to be accountable for our own health, and I haven't done a great job of that throughout my career. I wish I had done better. It's not too late. I'm getting after it now.

“I have a bunch more energy. Actually eating less has helped me have more energy. I find the more I eat the more lethargic I get. It's helped create a little bit better focus to finish the rounds off, so it's been a big part of it. But more than that, it just allows me to be my best and practice a little bit harder.”