Phil Mickelson walked into the PGA Tour record books as he finished the 2021 US PGA Championship 2021 in style. With his title triumph at the Kiawah Island, the US pro became the oldest man to win a major title on the PGA Tour.
With his first major title in eight years, the 50-year-0ld also extended his career tally to six. He prevailed over compatriot Brooks Koepka, who closed with two over 74, and Proteas Louis Oosthuizen, who had a last round of one over 73.
Interestingly enough, Mickelson also became the only player in PGA Tour history to bag tiles 30 years apart. The first of his 45 titles had come in 1991 when he was just a 20-year-old junior golfer.
He created the history within in a week after getting special exemption to compete in the Championship. With no title under his belt for the past two years and 115th rank on the tour, Mickelson was required to come via the qualifying competition. However, he was given a special exemption.
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Left-landed Mickelson, who took a one-shot lead into the final round, defeated Father Time and a stellar field to replace Julius Boros (48 years, 4 months, 18 days/1968 PGA Championship) as the oldest major champion. He also joined Sam Snead, Davis Love III and Raymond Floyd to win in four different decades on the PGA TOUR.
“I mean this is just an incredible feeling. I just believed that this was possible but yet everything was saying it wasn’t. I hope that others find that inspiration. It might take a little extra work and a bit harder effort to maintain physically and maintain the skills but gosh, it is worth it in the end. I’m so appreciative to hold this Wannamaker Trophy,” said a jubilant Mickelson, who ended the week on 6-under 282.
“I just love this game of golf and I love what I do and I love the challenge of competing against these great players. I don’t think I have had such an experience like that.”
Koepka, who was chasing his fifth major title, paid tribute to Mickelson after their head-to-head duel. “Just how bad I putted the last two days. Three days, actually. It felt like tap-ins I was missing. Never felt comfortable, and you’re not going to win if you do that,” said Koepka.
“The thing was, Phil played great. That whole stretch when we turned after 4 and 5 and played those holes, it’s into off the left for me and that’s quite difficult for a right-handed player. And it suited Phil right down to the ground, and I thought he played that entire stretch from about 6 to 13 so well. I’m happy for him, Amy and Tim (his brother-caddie). It’s pretty cool to see but a bit disappointed in myself.”
Korea’s Sungjae Im finished as the leading Asian player in the elite field in tied 17th position after carding a final round 73 for a 288 total. It was his best finish in the PGA Championship in four appearances.
A month after an historic Masters victory, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama carded a final round 72 to finish in a share of 23rd position.
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