Phil Mickelson may not have invented the flop shot, but he’s certainly set the gold standard for them. Lefty is a wizard around the green and we’re just lucky to be witnesses. From terrible lies to actual putting greens, Mickelson literally has every flop shot in the bag.
We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy 10 of the best flop shots we’ve seen from one of the greatest wedge players to ever play the game.
2013 Scottish Open – Castle Stuart Golf Links
We get this ridiculous Phil flop list started with one of his finest of his illustrious career at the 2013 Scottish Open at Castle Stewart. In fact, the commentators announcing the event proclaimed it shot of the year on the spot. Taking a full swing off a tight lie from just off the green with little green to work with, Lefty hoisted one up the hill and made it stop on a dime just like he drew it up. He went on to win the tournament and then claimed the Claret Jug the following week at the Open Championship.
2014 The Barclays – Ridgewood Country Club
Lefty faced this precarious situation at the 2014 Barclays but it didn’t seem to faze him. After drawing what had to be a decent lie in the deep stuff, he did what he does best and blasted it out of there with enough juice to get it spinning back towards the hole. It really isn’t as easy as it looks.
2007 Nissan Open – Riviera Country Club
In classic Phil fashion, he attempted this full-swing lob wedge on the green during the 2007 Nissan Open. He clipped it perfectly and it settled down just feet from the pin. We don’t know what’s better; the actual shot or Brandel’s reaction.
2013 Deutsche Bank Championship – TPC Boston
Another questionable lie, another brilliant flop shot. This one came during the 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship. Lefty forgoes the downslope and carries the ball past the pin, only to spin it back to two feet. Throw in a club twirl and call it a day.
2014 FedEx St. Jude – TPC Southwind
A bad break saw Phil’s tee shot at the par-3 4th hole ricochet off of a sprinkler head and onto a downhill lie some 60 feet away from the hole. No problem. Mickelson went way up to land the ball softly and watched as it rolled out to four feet, which he would convert for a routine Mickelson par.
2005 PGA Championship – Baltusrol Golf Club
The rare Monday flop from Mickelson came at the best possible time. After rain delayed the final round on Sunday Phil sat in a three-way tie on 18, and after this incredible shot was able to tap in from 2 feet to secure the victory.
2016 BMW Championship – Crooked Stick Golf Club
Not even a wall could stop Phil’s brilliant short game. During the 2016 BMW Championship, Lefty played this incredible half-flop to a foot, where most guys wouldn’t have even attempted it.
2012 Masters – Augusta National
Skip to 30 seconds and enjoy some short game wizardry. During the 2012 Masters, Mickelson faced this nearly impossible shot down the hill on the par-5 15th. Without any fear, he goes full-swing with a 64-degree wedge and lands it like a “sack of flour,” leaving himself with a short birdie putt. Only Phil.
2016 Deutsche Bank Championship – TPC Boston
Phil Mickelson is simply incredible.
Don’t believe me? Just watch.#QuickHits https://t.co/0Lt2NOQmSy
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 2, 2016
If this isn’t one of the best flop shots you’ve ever seen, then we probably can’t be friends. Lefty treated us to this magic show during the 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship. After leaving his ball just outside the hazard, he went full-Phil and launched it into orbit, only to have it land a foot from the cup. This deserves a thumbs-up!
