Phil Mickelson offers to replace Tom Brady, gives calf advice to Steph Curry

Phil Mickelson hasn’t played competitive golf in a month, but he’s found a way to stay busy. Mickelson has morphed into a social media content machine in recent weeks, responding to scores of fans on Twitter. On Thursday, he hopped into the mentions of a couple high-powered athletes.

First it was Tom Brady, who was limited at practice Wednesday with a calf injury. Mickelson made it clear: he was ready to step in when called upon.

“I’m standby on a flight to Boston,” wrote Mickelson, who prides himself on his own prodigious calf muscles — and his throwing arm, for that matter.

I’m on standby for a flight to Boston. Let’s not let inadequate calves hold us back. 😎 https://t.co/MQ6IkVNOBo

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 18, 2019

Mickelson’s cheekiness has endeared him to thousands of social media followers; he was on-brand in pointing out that “waiting standby” meant holding tight in his private jet.

When I say standby, I mean I’m waiting on clearance from the tower, not waiting for a seat opening. My bad. I could see how you could misunderstand.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 18, 2019

It was only a matter of time until Brady, another forty-something with an emerging Twitter following, responded. “The Phil Mickelson Method…for jacked calves? Sign me up,” he wrote.

The Phil Mickelson Method… for jacked calves? Sign me up. https://t.co/HFYFGltplp

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) September 19, 2019

Lefty liked that.

I feel #7 is on its way!

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 19, 2019

Next in Mickelson’s sights was Stephen Curry. The Warriors hoops star is set to join Mickelson in the pro-am at next week’s Safeway Open and wanted to make sure his calves were on point for their showdown. He posted a video doing calf raises, asking for Mickelson’s advice.

Hmm, almost @Stephencurry30. It’s a very technical move, best if I show you in person. I’ll be in Napa next week if you really want #CalvesLikeAdonis https://t.co/93uHBH3qDJ

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 19, 2019

What followed rang a little bit more like some PR-orchestrated back-and-forth to build up next week’s pro-am appearance, but still — we’ll take it.

(After all, it’s better than the forced smack-talk between Mickelson and Tiger Woods in the same setting last year…)

Absolutely! Don’t forget about the core strength. Key for hitting 💣💣💣!

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 19, 2019

Ok, we’ll just focus on the calves then … see you on the 25th at the @SafewayOpen!

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 19, 2019

Mickelson’s return to the PGA Tour comes at next week’s Safeway Open.

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