The wind and ocean roared all week at the PGA Championship. But they paled in comparison to those following Phil Mickelson on Sunday.
His legion of fans exploded after every birdie and lead change while witnessing history as one of the game’s most popular players ever won the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course.
In short, it was Ph-antastic. Mickelson shot a final-round 1-over 73 in tough conditions to beat Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen by two shots. Mickelson, who turns 51 on June 16, became the oldest men’s major champion in history, and the surreal scene around the 18th hole told the story as fans rushed the fairway and surrounded the green.
“This is just an incredible feeling,” said Mickelson, who claimed his first major since The Open Championship in 2013. “I just believed that it was possible but yet everything was saying it wasn’t. I hope that others find that inspiration. It might take some extra work and a little bit harder effort to maintain physically or maintain the skills, but gosh, it’s worth it in the end.”
It was also Mickelson’s sixth major title, tying him with Nick Faldo and Lee Trevino for 12th-most of all time. Mickelson and Koepka duked it out on the front nine, with two-shot swings seemingly taking place every other hole until Mickelson started to build a cushion early on the back nine before holding on late to close out the win.
The former PLAYERS champion notched his 45th PGA TOUR win, 600 FedExCup points and moved 123 spots to No. 45 in the standings.
MIC CHECK
“My brother Tim, what a great job he did this week. I’m just so appreciative of him and having him on the bag and sharing this incredible experience.” – Phil Mickelson on his brother and caddie, who was on the bag for his first major championship victory.
