Phil Mickelson is staring Father Time in the face and doing everything he can to rebuff him.
At 49 years old, Mickelson has undergone a dramatic physical transformation over the past few months in hopes of revitalizing his game and extending his career, but in the meantime, two of his most impressive marks as a professional are about to come to an end.
As soon as this week, Mickelson, currently ranked 47th in the Official World Golf Rankings, could fall outside of the top-50 in the world for the first time since 1993. While there’s a laundry list of things that need to happen, the writing is on the wall, which leads to the other streak that is likely and rightly — in Phil’s mind, at least — ready to snap as well.
For the last 24 international team competitions, Mickelson has been a playing member of the team, but he said on Wednesday in South Korea that he’s not a viable option for this coming December’s Presidents Cup team.
“There are much better options of players that have played consistently at a high level that deserve to be on the team,” Mickelson said ahead of the CJ Cup. “Even if I were to win, I have not done enough to warrant a pick.
“I’m not asking for one. I don’t expect one. I think there a lot of better options for the U.S. side.”
While Mickelson is stepping aside this fall for the betterment of the team, that doesn’t mean his international team playing days are in his rearview mirror.
“I would like to add that I am starting to play much better golf, and I’m excited about the upcoming season,” Mickelson said. “I’m excited about making the Ryder Cup team next year, and I plan on doing that.”
Mickelson is in the field this week at the CJ Cup on Jeju Island. He’ll tee it up on Thursday morning alongside Justin Thomas and Marc Leishman.
