Title: Phil Mickelson Recalls Playing Against a Young Dustin Johnson for a “Little Money”
Phil Mickelson, one of the most successful golfers of all time, has shared a fascinating anecdote about his early days on the professional circuit. In a recent interview, Mickelson reminisced about playing against a young Dustin Johnson, who was then a relative unknown, for a modest prize purse.
The encounter took place in the early 2000s, when both players were still establishing themselves on the PGA Tour. Mickelson, who had already won several tournaments, including the 2004 Masters, was still in his prime, while Johnson was just starting to make a name for himself.
“We played for a little money, maybe $10,000 or $20,000,” Mickelson recalled. “It was a small tournament, but it was a great experience playing against a young Dustin Johnson. He was a talented player even back then, and I could tell he was going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Mickelson’s comments offer a unique glimpse into the early days of Johnson’s career, which has since been marked by numerous victories, including 20 PGA Tour titles and two major championships. At the time, Johnson was still finding his footing on the tour, but Mickelson’s assessment suggests that even then, he was a player to watch.
The two golfers have since become friends and have played together in numerous tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup. Mickelson has often spoken about the respect he has for Johnson’s game, and the two have developed a strong bond over the years.
The story also highlights the humble beginnings of both players, who have gone on to achieve incredible success in the sport. While the prize purses may have been modest, the experience of competing against each other was invaluable, and both players have spoken about the importance of those early days in shaping their careers.
Mickelson’s recollection of playing against Johnson for a “little money” serves as a reminder that even the greatest golfers started somewhere, and that the journey to the top is often marked by hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from others. As both players continue to compete at the highest level, their friendship and mutual respect are a testament to the power of golf to bring people together and create lasting bonds.
