What’s driving Phil Mickelson? Why Lefty is longer than ever

June 9, 2019

Despite his age, Phil Mickelson has gained driving distance over the past two years.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

It’s no secret that Phil Mickelson has hit the gym and altered his diet in search of more distance off the tee. He’s also been willing to embrace Callaway’s latest driver tech in an effort to remain relevant with the big stick and in the same discussion with the Tour’s longest hitters, even during his 28th pro season. The combo appears to be working (see table, below).

Earlier this year, Lefty threw Callaway’s Epic Flash Sub Zero driver in the bag and noticed an immediate uptick in ball speed during a testing session, something that’s allowed him to “hit bombs” (check out Mickelson’s Instagram count for reference) with regularity on the course.

Callaway’s Flash Face and Jailbreak technologies are key ingredients in Mickelson’s recipe for more speed and distance. So, too, is a 12-gram weight in the sole, positioned closer to the face, that helps knock off spin. Mickelson has gravitated toward the lower-spinning driver model in Callaway’s lineup over the years. This season is no exception.

Short Game

WATCH: Phil Mickelson brags about driving distance, offers latest tip at Pebble Beach

And while Pebble Beach isn’t the kind of course that allows you to whip out driver on every hole, Mickelson’s penchant for customizing the top of his bag may be his secret weapon in nailing down that elusive U.S. Open win.

A statsitical look at Phil Mickelson's recent distance increases.

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