On Sunday at Kiawah Island, PGA Tour veteran Phil Mickelson has a shot to make history by winning the 2021 PGA Championship. But just how historic would a Phil win be?
How old is Phil Mickelson, and why is his age important?
On June 16, 2020, Mickelson celebrated his 50th birthday. It was a milestone for the golf legend, who has amassed 44 PGA Tour wins in his long and storied career. Among those 44 wins are five that stand out above the rest: his major championship victories. Mickelson has won three Masters titles, one PGA Championship and one Open Championship.
Phil’s big day also meant that he was qualified to play on the PGA Tour Champions, which he decided to do immediately, winning twice on the senior circuit last summer while splitting time on the PGA Tour.
Phil’s Open Championship win came back in 2013 at Muirfield in Scotland, and, at least for now, represents the most recent major title on his resume. Back then, he had just turned 43, an already advanced age for major winners, but not the oldest. That title belongs to Julius Boros, who was a sprightly 48 when he charged to victory at the 1968 PGA.
Therefore, should Mickelson do the unthinkable and win his second PGA Championship and sixth major title at 50 years old on Sunday, he would officially become the oldest major champion in history.
