At 46, Phil Mickelson Is No Ryder Cup Rookie
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The passion runs deep for the oldest player on the Ryder Cup's 2016 USA team; a player who remains the gallery's favorite.
At age 46, Phil Mickelson is twice the age of some of his Ryder Cup teammates – but he is not exactly in the twilight of his career.
He takes immense pride in qualifying for this team for the past 22 years, never requiring to be a captain's pick – always earning his way with his steady play.
Mickelson may have to offer some fatherly-like advice to his Ryder Cup rookies on Friday.
"These weeks are so much fun, and it is a little bit surprising to every one of us in our first Ryder Cup the pressure that we feel, the anxiety, and yet the anticipation and the excitement that we feel going to the first tee for the first time," Mickelson said. "And there's nothing you can really say, you just want them to enjoy it and enjoy the challenged of it, and appreciate being a part of it."
Mickelson does have immense confidence in 23-year-old Jordan Spieth as that leadership role on the Ryder Cup team is passed down.
"This is his fourth team that he's been on, second Ryder Cup. He's played on two President's Cups, and it's time for him to take over the leadership role because he's going to be the lead guy for the U.S. team for many years to come," Mickelson said.
The majestic opening ceremony take place Friday afternoon at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska. The golfers tee up at 7:30 a.m.