“You finish 2nd in the Masters, after a day that ended in 65 (-7), the best score of the day. What an amazing week…
THANKS. It was a fun day, and you never know what can happen. With Jordan (Spieth), we are making an incredible comeback. But Jon played fantastic all week, he really deserves this victory. It’s not surprising to see him at this level. He is one of the best players in the world and he proved it again today.
You’ve been saying over the past few days, “I’ve got a 65 in me.” He arrived. How do you explain it?
I knew I was hitting the ball well but I couldn’t get the expected score. Sunday, even if everything was not perfect, I was able to stay in the present and to continue to hit good shots. I hope this week allows me to play this way for the rest of the year. I worked really hard in the offseason to prepare. I achieved very low scores in training. Today, I didn’t force, I let things happen, without forcing fate. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough, but I really enjoyed playing at this level again, and that’s encouraging for the rest of the year.
“(about Jon Rahm) He’s such a good guy. He has a big heart. I think highly of him as a person and as a player of course. »
How do you explain the return of your game and your level this week?
It’s true that it’s been a while since I’ve been able to concentrate as I wanted. Obviously Kiawah (when winning the USPGA in 2021) has been a consistently good week. Week after week, day after day, it starts to come back. But a lot of it is about the things I manage off the course: my diet, my workouts, etc. All of these things come into play. And my brother, Tim, did a great job on the bag this week. When I was less focused, he told me stories, jokes and that allowed me to refocus and be more in the present moment.
6
Apart from his 3 victories (2004, 2006 and 2010), Phil Mickelson is in the top 3 of the Masters for the 6th time in his career.
You and your brother were mentors to Jon Rahm. Did you see him as a champion when you started dating him?
My brother Tim coached him for four years at Arizona State University. The first time I played with him he shot 62. I thought I was playing pretty well but he gave me a good beating. I am not surprised by his victory. Besides, it’s hard not to bear it. He’s such a good guy. He has a big heart. I think highly of him as a person and as a player of course.
“I can’t wait to go and play in Australia (with LIV Golf). But there should be no debate for Major tournaments. What we want is for the best players in the world to compete against each other in a Major like the Masters. »
Do you feel like you are carrying the torch for LIV Golf, Brooks Koepka was there and you were in contention, was there a bit of competition with the others?
I don’t see things like that. I am very happy to be here, to be able to play the Majors. I found it very good that this tournament is above all that to bring together the best players in the world. But in my career, at some point, I wanted something different and I got a lot out of it. I lived in a team environment when I was in college. I love this state of mind and it has improved my game. I can’t wait to play in Australia (with LIV Golf). But there should be no debate for Major tournaments. What we want is for the best players in the world to compete against each other in a Major like the Masters. There needs to be a place for historic events like this, but it’s nice to have a bit of difference and variety in the game of golf.
Can you tell us about the key to your longevity and injury-free status?
I owe a lot to Sean Cochran, who has been my physical trainer for 20 years. When we started working together, the idea was for my career to last as long as possible. I then called in a physiotherapist with Geno Senko, and I worked on maintaining flexibility. When I turned 40 and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, I had to change my diet and take responsibility for my overall health and well-being. So it’s a combination of those elements. The mindset of fitness and training is not to bulk up and have big muscles, but to create elasticity and flexibility.
