Phil Mickelson: A look ahead at what’s next for Lefty in 2019

Phil Mickelson couldn’t have finished his 2018 on a higher note. There’s no such thing as living in Tiger’s shadow after beating his so-called “rival” head-to-head. On top of that, he earned his first PGA Tour win in nearly five years. But where does he go from here?

When it comes to recognition, some might consider Phil Mickelson’s comeback PGA Tour win falling in the same calendar year as Tiger Woods’ as “bad luck”.

But the winner of “The Match” perceives his success differently. In fact, upon winning the diamond encrusted belt, Phil told Woods “It’s nice to have a little something on you.”

So what’s in store for 2019? The career grand slam he’s been looking to complete since his 2013 win at the Open Championship (cough cough, a U.S. Open title)?  A vice captain spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team? A chance to surpass Walter Hagen on the all-time PGA Tour wins list?

A new year fresh out of the season break brings plenty of opportunities. The possibilities for the veteran are endless. Let’s explore the scenarios Mickelson could likely encounter in the new year.

First, the most glaringly obvious factor: Time. But age is no Achilles heel; rather, it’s nothing but a number for Mickelson. He proved himself more than capable of competing on the PGA Tour in 2018. Four months short of his birthday, Mickelson claimed a WGC-Mexico title and set the record for the oldest winner of a World Golf Championship Event (the previous record holder, Vijay Singh, was 45). Additionally, he closed out the 2017-18 PGA Tour season ranked 6th in birdie average, having made 375 birdies.

Perhaps employing his brother Tim as caddy after his infamous breakup with Bones, and fully recovering from his two sports hernia surgeries back in 2016 might have been the catalysts Mickelson needed.

How long can Phil Mickelson keep beating back Father Time?

With age a nonexistent variable in the winning process, the only factor in question is how Mickelson will choose to maximize the time he has remaining in his career.

Mickelson ranks ninth in all-time wins, just two wins behind Walter Hagen, who ended his career with 45 PGA Tour wins. Tying for eighth is an achievable milestone for Mickelson as he approaches 2019 with a new strategy to combat age; reducing the number of events he commits to.

“I’m going to have to start limiting the number of tournaments that I play so I that can play those at a higher level,” Mickelson said.

Could this new approach mean winning at a familiar, consistent level?

Finding this sort of consistency once again will prove vital in earning a vice captain position for the 2019 Presidents Cup. In what would be his 12th trip, a non-playing role alongside U.S. captain Tiger Woods would be ideal. Both players have approached the time in their careers where each is eligible for these leadership roles. Defending the United States’ title in December beside Woods would bring in key veteran experience for the duel.

More from Pro Golf Now

• Golf Rumors: LIV set to sign Masters Champion in stunning deal
• Fantasy Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational DFS Player Selections
• Brutal return leaves Will Zalatoris looking towards 2024
• Stars You Know at World Champions Cup Starts Thursday at Concession
• Fantasy Golf: An Early Look at the 2024 Masters Tournament

At the level Mickelson is playing, it’d be surprising to not see him earn one of four vice captain slots available.

While climbing up the all-time wins list and becoming a vice captain are certainly feats of their own, there’s one annual battle Mickelson has yet to prevail throughout his entire career.

The U.S. Open, the lone major standing between Phil Mickelson and a grand slam. He’s finished second a total of six times in his career, falling short to champions such as Tiger Woods in 2002, and Justin Rose in 2013.

The ongoing war grew even uglier in 2018’s edition when Mickelson hit a moving ball on the 13th hole, resulting in a two-stroke penalty and a third-round finish of 81. The careless error led to a disappointing 16-under finish for the tournament.

While there’s plenty of time left for recovery, the U.S. Open is on an uphill trend in difficulty. With an increase in both skill level and age in golf’s fields (the top 100 golfers have gotten younger since 2004), Mickelson’s efficiency must increase in order to contend once again.

Mickelson saving himself for marquee tournaments could lead to another productive and even more successful year.

Maybe 2018 was only the start. For now, it’s fun to speculate exactly how Lefty could capitalize on his current momentum.