Phil Mickelson Reveals New Strategy: Precision Over Power in LIV Golf Hong Kong
Phil Mickelson discusses his new strategic approach to competing in professional golf, shifting away from his previous power-focused game. At 54, he acknowledges he can't match younger players' ball speeds around 190 mph, leading him to develop a more precise, mistake-free style of play.
Returning from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the LIV Golf Riyadh event, Mickelson shot a promising three-under 67 in the first round of LIV Hong Kong. His performance included birdies on holes 2, 3, 7, and 8, though he faced challenges with four bogeys throughout the round.
"The last couple years I've been kind of fighting it, trying to overpower courses where I don't have the speed," Mickelson explained. "This offseason I thought, I've got to find another way to shoot scores and try to beat these guys."
His new strategy focuses on minimizing mistakes rather than maximizing distance. "I can't afford to make that many bogeys," he said, emphasizing the importance of consistent play and strategic course management.
Looking ahead, Mickelson has two LIV events (Singapore and Miami) before his 32nd Masters appearance. His recent Masters performances include a tie for 43rd last year and an impressive tie for second the year before, suggesting his new approach might prove effective in major championships.
Through this strategic shift, Mickelson demonstrates how veteran players can adapt their game to remain competitive against younger, longer-hitting opponents. His focus on precision and error reduction represents a mature evolution in his playing style, potentially offering a blueprint for other aging professionals in the sport.