Phil Mickelson knows he’s deep into the back nine.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Mickelson acknowledged that he is nearing the time when he will retire from professional golf.
“I’m 53 now, and my career now, if I’m being truthful, it’s towards its end,” Mickelson said.
“And now, I would like to help others find the same enjoyment and fulfillment that the game of golf has provided me.”
While the early part of Mickelson’s career was defined by a struggle to win majors, once he got on the horse with a victory at the 2004 Masters, he won five more — two additional at Augusta, plus two PGA Championships and once at The Open Championship.
In 2022, Mickelson became the first prominent professional golfer to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, signing a deal that was reportedly in the realm of $200 million to join the Saudi-backed upstart.
In his interview with Bloomberg, he explained the type of inner peace he has garnered from playing golf, and believed it to be transferable to professionals and recreational players alike.
“There’s moments where you’re out on the golf course alone, and you have this solace, this solitude, and you’re at peace,” Mickelson told the outlet.
“Or you’re with your families and friends and you’re having a good time. Or you’re competing in the club championship for the junior event, you’re feeling that competition. Or when you’re playing golf at the highest level and you’re competing against the best players in the world.
“All of that creates such fulfillment, whether you’re practicing on your own or you’re with friends. There’s so many great things about this game of golf and I would love for others to experience those things.”