If there’s one thing we know about Phil Mickelson, it’s that the man is not afraid to break a few rules in order to get what he wants. But at Augusta National Golf Club, even Lefty, a three-time green jacket winner, is supposed to fall in line. Supposed to.
According to an engaging story shared by Mickelson on his social media channels Thursday night, it seems that things were quite different. Mickelson, seated in his golf cart, transports viewers back 20 years to the 2004 Masters tournament.
He was on a hot streak at the time, partly due to a drill called the “towel drill” that he had been practicing with Dave Pelz, a renowned coach for short game techniques.
Strangely, the practice routine involved Mickelson placing towels at various yardages, including distances up to 175 yards, which suggested it was more than just a short-game drill.
The purpose was to create reference points, requiring Mickelson to have a designated area on the range for himself. He had been following this routine throughout the season and intended to keep doing so leading up to the Masters.
We’ll let him take it from there:
Time and time again, Mickelson has demonstrated his boldness, but even he went too far this time.
The thought of sneaking under the magnolia trees at Augusta National Golf Club to steal something, whether a blade of grass or a sign, is quite frightening. Planning to repeat the act at the next year’s Champions Dinner, waiting to sneak under the trees and take another sign, is truly reckless.
He was practically inviting a ban from the property or, at the very least, a stern warning to cease his actions. It seems like some individuals believe they are beyond consequences. Mickelson possesses many qualities, but being a poor storyteller is not one of them.
It’s intriguing to think about the stories he hasn’t revealed to us if these are the ones he’s willing to share.
UPDATE: Mickelson posted footage to his Twitter account on Friday. No, not of him stealing the sign, unfortunately. Footage of him the towel drill with Dave Pelz on the East range. Still very cool:
Great stuff. Now we need the footage of Mickelson scurrying under the trees with the signs.