Tiger congratulates Phil on ‘inspirational’ win

They’ve had their differences in the past but as both players have aged and Tiger, in particular, has mellowed both on and off the course, the two best golfers of our generation seem to be enjoying each other’s company a little more.

So it was no surprise that the man who for so long kept Mickelson from becoming World No.1 was among the first players to send a congratulatory message following ‘Lefty’s’ historic PGA Championship win.

Tiger Woods (Credit: PGA Tour)

“Truly inspirational to see @PhilMickelson do it again at 50 years of age. Congrats!!!!!!!,” tweeted the 45-year-old Woods.

Mickelson fired back with “Thank you. I’m pulling for your quick return.”, alluding to Woods’ current injury crisis.

Woods has been holed up in his Florida home since narrowly avoiding death in a car crash in LA earlier this year. He will no doubt use Mickelson’s major win at almost 51-years-old as fuel to fire his return to the PGA Tour if, and when, his injuries allow it.

While it was only eight years in-between majors for Mickelson, Woods’ laundry list of injuries saw many fans give up hope of ever seeing the-then 14-time major winner on the podium again following his US Open win in 2008.

In 2019, that all changed when Woods held off Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele and Dustin Johnson by a single shot to win his fifth Masters title and 15th major overall.

The next stop on the major schedule will be the US Open from June 17. Mickelson, who turns 51 on the 16th June, has finished runner-up there six times and needs the title to complete a much-deserved career grand slam.

And what a story that would make.