Phil Mickelson really is the best when it comes to connecting with fans, and an interaction the popular lefty had with a young spectator last week at the Dell Technologies Championship is gold, Jerry, gold.
Mickelson, who, in an otherwise lackluster season, seemed to find a spark at TPC Boston for his second-best finish of the year (T6 at 11-under), was about to hit a 3-wood from the rough on the par-5 18th hole during Saturday’s second round when he asked the kid if he would go for it or lay up.
“If I could hit my 3-wood 260, I would probably go for it,” the youngster, Riley, replied to guffaws from the gallery and an appreciative, “I like the way you think” from Mickelson.
Riley loves this game @PGA @NEPGAJRTOUR #FedExCupPLAYOFFS #PhilsBlueHat pic.twitter.com/G27UbLY5fp
— Red Avett (@redavett101) September 2, 2017
After going for it, Lefty — who famously split from longtime bagman, Jim “Bones” Mackay back in June and has his brother Tim handing him the clubs for now — made the budding looper’s day (and gave new meaning to “Phil the Thrill”) by joking, “Riley, you can caddie for me any time.”
What makes the five-time major champion such a fan favorite are interactions like the one he had with young Riley, whose name Mickelson obviously took time to learn even in the heat of battle. Doesn’t get any better than that for Phil-o-philes.