TROON, Scotland – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson did at the least acknowledge one another earlier this week once they have been noticed training aspect by aspect at Royal Troon forward of the Open Championship.
Mickelson confirmed Saturday that he and Woods stated “howdy” on the vary, once they hit balls in neighboring stalls, however have been too busy of their respective preparations for a prolonged chat.
“We stated hello,” Mickelson stated after a third-round 72 at The Open, the place he made the minimize on the age of 54. “Yeah, we stated hello, however we have been each making ready. It’s not like we’re going to sit down there and chat. However we stated howdy, yeah.”
Archrivals for years, Woods and Mickelson have by no means been shut however their relationship in recent times has been nonexistent. Mickelson was one of many chief recruiters for the LIV Golf League, whereas Woods has been an energetic a part of the PGA Tour coverage board that has labored to beat back the Saudi menace and, now, doubtlessly, reunify the sport.
When requested whether or not he and Woods – the 2 greatest stars of the early 2000s – may work out the excursions’ issues collectively, Mickelson stated, “I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see.”
“I don’t learn about that stuff,” Mickelson continued. “I’m not concerned. I’m not sitting in these rooms. I’m having fun with the place I’m at and what I’m doing and taking part in. I’ll let different individuals determine that stuff out.”
Woods’ interplay with Mickelson wasn’t the one time this week that he seemed to be within the temper for peacemaking. On the observe placing inexperienced he additionally took time to congratulate Bryson DeChambeau on his latest U.S. Open victory – the primary time that the one-time mates had exchanged pleasantries in years, a pressure that had saddened DeChambeau.
“It’s the first communication,” DeChambeau stated Thursday, “however I’ll say that he’s a competitor and I’ve plenty of respect for him. I’m certain that successful two U.S. Opens undoubtedly helped, I suppose, for him developing and saying congrats. I don’t know what his place is, nevertheless it was very considerate and I used to be appreciative of it.”
