Phil Mickelson once called Tiger Woods "an underrated smack talker"

There was a time when Phil Mickelson was a major competitor of Tiger Woods. The fans frequently compared the two to determine who was better at their craft. This comparison also resulted in a one-on-one match between them at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas, Nevada, known as "The Match: Tiger vs. Phil". Interestingly, before this event, Mickelson talked about Woods' 'smack talk' on the course.

CNN conducted a combined interview with the duo before the eagerly anticipated event. During the interview, Phil Mickelson discussed Tiger Woods' underrated ability to smack speak. He mentioned that Woods always speaks softly so that his sledge only reaches his opponent and no one else.

Phil Mickelson mentioned this in the interview, stating that The Match will be interesting because Woods will have a microphone on him at all times, and spectators will be able to discover the unseen side of him.

"You know, Tiger is an underrated smack talker, okay? He doesn't get the credit for his smack talk because he does it so understated, and he does it under his breath so nobody else can hear other than you. He does a great job with that, but this match he's going to be miked, and I think that fun side of him, that funny side of him, is going to come out," Mickelson said [0:23 onwards]

This event featured 18 holes with various side challenges for a total prize of $9 million. Interestingly, the complete prize pool was designed to go to the event's winner, in this case Phil Mickelson. It took him 22 holes to overcome Woods as they tied on the 18th hole.

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Phil Mickelson gives himself a 'B' ahead of LIV Golf Virginia

Golf: LIV Golf Virginia - First Round - Source: Imagn

The LIV Golf Virginia is a major event for the tour. The tournament is the eighth stop in the tour's 14-tournament season, and it has the potential to be a turning point in the season. They have expanded the tournament by inviting several well-known singers to perform. While doing so, the tour's official Instagram page shared a post in which golfers assessed themselves.

Phil Mickelson was one of those golfers, and while evaluating his season thus far, he rated himself a 'B'. He stated that his game has improved since the previous season, which is why he is giving himself a 'B' grade.

"So I would give myself a B for the reason that I have not played well in the previous years. And this year I'm 15th in the standings and have had a third and a sixth with an opportunity or two to get contention and come out on top," Mickelson stated.

The caption of the LIV Golf's Instagram post read,

"The mid-season reports are in 💪"

Apart from Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith also graded themselves. While DeChambeau graded himself a 'B+', Smith gave himself a 'D'.