Phil Mickelson Named Ryder Cup Vice-Captain - But Will He Play?
Will Phil Mickelson be a playing vice-captain, or does the role signal the end of his Ryder Cup playing days?
Will Phil Mickelson be a playing vice-captain, or does the role signal the end of his Ryder Cup playing days?
Phil Mickelson Named Ryder Cup Vice-Captain - But Will He Play?
Phil Mickelson will feature in the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits from 24-26 September, though he might not be playing after Steve Stricker has named him as one of his vice-captains for Team USA.
Mickelson joins the already confirmed vice-captains of Davis Love III, Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson, alongside the recently announced Fred Couples, who returns to the role he held in 2012 at Medinah.
"I've been staying in close contact with both Freddie and Phil, talking about all things Ryder Cup, for a while now," Stricker said.
"They provide honest and impactful feedback, and both have such a passion for the Ryder Cup.
"I'm honoured that they were willing to join our team and help put us in the best position to win in a few weeks at Whistling Straits."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Mickelson's 12 consecutive Ryder Cup appearances since debuting in 1995 at Oak Hill makes him the United States' record appearance maker, but for now he will only be involved in the upcoming tournament as a vice-captain.
The top-six automatic qualifiers on the USA Ryder Cup points list are already confirmed, with Lefty unable to finish any higher than 20th.
Stricker does still have six captain's picks to complete his team, which are announced on Wednesday, but Mickelson's one top-15 finish in 2021 means he won't be playing at the Tour Championship.
Despite this, it is still possible for the six-time Major winner to be selected for the Ryder Cup team - Jim Furyk selected him as one of his wildcard picks in 2018, and Mickelson could help on both the captain and playing side of things this time around.
Additionally, Mickelson's PGA Championship win at Kiawah Island in May shows he is still a serious candidate for his 13th appearance at the Ryder Cup too, which also made him the oldest Major winner in history.
If the 51-year-old does miss out on the playing squad, he'll become the first American to win a Major and not make the Ryder Cup team in the same year since John Daly in both 1991 and 1995.
Ryan has worked as a junior staff writer for Golf Monthly since 2021.
-
Which Players Secured A DP World Tour Card At The 2024 Challenge Tour Grand Final?
The Challenge Tour Grand Final threw up drama yet again, as 22 players secured their playing rights and cards to the DP World Tour next season
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The DP World Tour Golfer
Neergaard-Petersen is one of the big names emerging in European golf and, in this piece, we list some facts you may not know about the Dane
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021
Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
By Jeremy Chapman Published
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
By Matt Cradock Published