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The truth about Phil Mickelson's 'Tiger Slayer' putter from The Match II

Andrew Tursky — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:53:33 +0000

Phil Mickelson was the life of the party, so-to-speak, during The Match II on Sunday. He was dishing out gems of trash talk and explaining his thought process on certain shots, which made for great entertainment despite losing the match. He’s the perfect complement to Tiger Woods, who is a bit more quiet and calculated (although Woods did fire a shot about U.S. Open medals… ouch).

Lefty’s digs started early, as he explained to Turner Sports’ Amanda Balionis pre-round that he brought out his “Tiger Slayer” putter.

A photo of Mickelson at the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am shows his “Tiger Slayer” putter Getty Images

It’s a custom Odyssey putter that Mickelson used to take down Woods at the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Mickelson and Woods were paired together that Sunday, and Mickelson went onto win after shooting a 64 to Woods’ 75.

The putter is similar in design to the popular Wilson 8802 blade model that Mickelson has used throughout his career. The Odyssey version that Mickelson used in 2012, and again on Sunday, has a custom White Hot XG insert in the face and has a relatively low amount of loft.

The Tiger Slayer putter says “Odyssey Phil Mickelson Blade” on the sole. This photo was taken at the 2020 Genesis Invitational. Getty Images

Although Mickelson’s banter made it seem like he brought the putter out after a long retirement just to mess with Woods, that’s not entirely the case. Mickelson has used the “Tiger Slayer” putter off-and-on since 2012, and he’s even had it in the bag during PGA Tour appearances in 2020. Most recently, he had it in play at the 2020 Players Championship (before it was canceled), the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Genesis Invitational.

So while Mickelson hilariously calls the putter a “Tiger Slayer,” it didn’t come straight out of his closet after an eight-year hiatus just for The Match.

To hear more gear insights from Jonathan Wall and True Spec’s Tim Briand, subscribe and listen each week to GOLF’s Fully Equipped podcast: iTunes | SoundCloud | Spotify | Stitcher

https://soundcloud.com/fullyequippedgolf/biggest-gear-takeaways-from-phil-mickelson-and-tiger-woods-at-the-match-ii

The post The truth about Phil Mickelson’s ‘Tiger Slayer’ putter from The Match II appeared first on Golf.

Copy 1 aspect of Phil Mickelson's gear setup for more success on the course

Jonathan Wall — Sat, 23 May 2020 11:12:43 +0000

When Phil Mickelson takes to the course on Sunday for the Match II, he’ll do so with an iron setup that should look very familiar to some recreational golfers. With more manufacturers designing different irons that can be blended to create a fully-optimized set, even players of Mickelson’s caliber are embracing the opportunity to put two or three different iron models in the bag.

That brings us to Mickelson’s current iron setup, which consists of a combination of Epic Forged (4-7) and Apex Pro (8-PW). The Apex Pro won’t raise any eyebrows, but the sight of an elite ball-striker playing Epic Forged — an iron designed for a wide range of handicaps — all the way through the 7-iron is something that should make golfers take notice.

If you’re unfamiliar with Epic Forged, it’s loaded with game-changing technology, including Callaway’s Callaway’s 360 Face Cup that delivers significantly faster ball speeds. There’s also a tungsten core wrapped in a TPU material that’s suspended in urethane microspheres to absorb unwanted vibration without impeding clubface flex at impact. In other words, this sleek iron has it all. It’s built for distance.

And yet, a five-time major winner sees the benefits of using it not just at the top of his set, but through the mid irons as well. Professional golfers are usually averse to adding more distance in the name changing their tried and true yardages, which brings us to an important lesson that can be gleaned from Mickelson’s setup: Consider the idea of going outside your comfort zone when putting together a blended set.

“[Phil’s] not afraid to piece it together,” Callaway senior Tour representative Johnny Thompson said on GOLF’s Fully Equipped podcast. “He’s had sort of that combo look for a while now. I think a 15-handicapper who might need a little help with the longer clubs — elevating the ball and getting it up in the air — if they want to use a game-improvement 3-, 4- and 5-iron, but then a middle-of-the-road, like your standard Mavrik 6-iron through wedge.

“I think Phil shows you don’t have to stick with one model [3-iron] through [pitching wedge]. I think it’s cool that he’s not afraid to find each part of a set that works best for him. He’s not afraid to mix it up. He creates his own combo sets.”

Mickelson has used as many as three different iron models at one time, which might seem excessive for some golfers. However, if there’s a benefit to be found by having one or two clubs from a particular model — a setup Daniel Berger has had success with in the past — it might be worth entertaining the idea of adding them to fill a gap.

One other thing to consider if you’re going to use different iron models? Check the loft specs to ensure they transition seamlessly through the set. Some brands are keeping a close eye on lofts for those who want to try a blended set, but if you’re considering a glorified game-improvement model at the top of the iron composition, you’ll need to make sure there isn’t a yardage hole due to the significantly stronger lofts. (Note: It’s OK to bend your irons up to 2 degrees to tighten any loft gaps, but anything beyond that number will negatively affect turf interaction.)

So go ahead and consider the idea of copying Phil Mickelson’s iron setup. It just might make you a better iron player in the long run.

https://soundcloud.com/fullyequippedgolf/previewing-the-match-ii-interview-phil-mickelsons-club-fitter-johnny-thompson

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5 things to know about Peyton Manning's golf game

Josh Berhow — Sat, 23 May 2020 10:59:28 +0000

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are about to tee it up on national TV alongside golf’s two biggest stars. No pressure, right? Luckily, Manning and Brady have some game themselves. Manning has a 6.4 handicap index and Brady’s is 8.1. But playing at their home courses with their friends is completely different than doing so with two guys who own 20 career major titles.

We know all about what Manning did on the football field (two Super Bowl titles, five MVPs), but what about his golf game? Here are five things to know. Make sure to tune in for The Match: Champions for Charity at 3 p.m. ET Sunday on TNT, TBS, truTV and HLN.

1. Peyton Manning is a member at Augusta National Golf Club

That’s right, Manning is a member at one of the most famous and exclusive clubs in the world. It was first reported in November 2016 that he was invited, and at the time it was believed to be at least the fourth club he belonged to. The others were Castle Pines and Cherry Hills in Colorado (remember, he played for the Denver Broncos) and Crooked Stick near Indianapolis (where he played for the Colts before going to Denver). Castle Pines and Cherry Hills are the courses Manning is currently registered to through his USGA handicap.

2. Manning has been Jack Nicklaus’ partner in big-time events

Everyone knows about the Masters at Augusta National, but there’s another big event there — the annual member-member held every March called The Jamboree.

Here’s what Jack Nicklaus told GOLF’s Michael Bamberger earlier this year about The Jamboree:

“Peyton is probably a 5 or a 6 (handicap),” Nicklaus said. “We played in it I think twice and we had a chance both times. I choked coming home. I wouldn’t put it on Peyton. I didn’t finish very well. They have two prizes, gross and net. The main prize is net. Five or 6, that’s not enough for me. But several years ago I shot 72. I haven’t been able to live down that reputation since then. People say, ‘You’re a 5?’ And I say, ‘If I play well, I might break 80.’”

3. Manning’s handicap is, well, tricky to decipher sometimes

Here’s what he said at the 2019 Memorial after he finished his pro-am with Woods.

Peyton Manning is only getting better at interviews in retirement pic.twitter.com/KjjGwYysTS
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) May 29, 2019

4. Manning has ties to one of the coolest 9-hole clubs around

Sweetens Cove Golf Club has blown up over the last couple of years. The 9-hole course in South Pittsburg, Tenn., is fun, affordable and brilliantly designed, and in May 2019 the club announced five new co-owner partners. Manning, who starred at the University of Tennessee just a couple of hours down the road, was one of them.

5. Manning has already played golf on TV once this year

The last time you might have seen Manning play golf on TV (or maybe the only time?) was back in February at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Manning teamed up with Luke Donald. (His official handicap for the event was listed as an 8.) Manning and Donald tied for 9th, which gave big brother Peyton bragging rights over his brother, Eli, who teamed with Kevin Chappell and missed the cut.

Manning has appeared at other Tour events as well. Woods and Manning played together at the 2019 Memorial pro-am in Dublin, Ohio. “I’ve played a lot of golf with Tiger all the way through the years,” Manning said. “It doesn’t really amaze me much anymore (what he does), because I’ve seen so many incredible things that you kind of come to expect it. When he makes a par, it’s kind of like you’re surprised.”

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What Peyton Manning is unbeatable at, former teammates and coach say

Nick Piastowski — Sat, 23 May 2020 01:25:35 +0000

Medalist Golf Club has trees, sand traps and water, places where a player could find themselves receiving some heat.

From Peyton Manning.

“He’ll be jawing on the golf course … and he’s big on the rules and everything, so like if that thing is behind a tree, that thing is behind a tree; there’s no way around it. He almost wants a rules official out there,” former teammate Wes Welker said to ESPN this week. “… Like, ‘Hey, did you ground that club?’ “

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are well known for their golf heading into Sunday’s The Match: Champions for Charity event at Medalist. Woods has won 15 majors, Mickelson five. Their respective partners, Manning and Tom Brady, are well known for their football. Manning has two Super Bowl rings, Brady six. Manning is just as well known for his mouth, according to two former teammates and a coach.

“Probably everything he was in football he is in golf, but with more stories – good stories, really good stories,” former teammate Brandon Stokley said to ESPN.

Said former coach Mike Shanahan to ESPN: “He talks smack to everybody, especially if you act a little cocky or like you’ve got it all figured out. But he’s a fun guy, a lot of back and forth in between holes maybe or after, but he’s competing for every second, every shot. But if they get into talking in this one, I would expect him to give more than he gets with those guys.”

Expect Manning to hit more good shots than bad, too.

Welker told ESPN that Manning is a “steady Eddie,” shooting in the high 70s and low 80s and never making a triple. Stokley told ESPN he’s played “hundreds” of rounds with Manning. Or more play against. Manning plays to win.

“I just always expect him to make a big play on the course, that’s my mentality when you’re playing him,” he said. “ … I never want to be surprised – he’s going to make a 50-footer, or he’s going to chip in.”

And then he’ll let you know about it.

During the round. Or even after.

“We keep it respectful, but after the fact, we will send a text message or two to rub it in a little,” Stokley told ESPN.

The post What Peyton Manning is unbeatable at, former teammates and coach say appeared first on Golf.

What’s the best trash talk Tiger Woods has ever dropped on Phil Mickelson?

Nick Piastowski — Fri, 22 May 2020 10:34:43 +0000

Phil Mickelson has won five major championships – the Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010, the PGA Championship in 2005, and the Open Championship in 2013. Tiger Woods tied for 22nd, tied for third, tied for fourth, tied for fourth and tied for sixth, respectively, those years.

Mickelson has won 39 other tournaments during his PGA Tour career. And he won 2018’s The Match. Over Woods.

Mickelson says he’s needled Woods over those victories a few times. He might needle him a few times more during Sunday’s The Match: Champions for Charity, a match play event featuring the team of Woods and Peyton Manning taking on the team of Mickelson and Tom Brady for charity. Mickelson is a good trash-talker, and this is good trash-talk.

But this is better:

Big. Picture.

Fifteen major championships. Eighty-two PGA Tour victories. Scoreboard. Big. Picture.

“Tiger is very subtle in his smack talk, and he has gotten me with ‘big picture,’ “ Mickelson said on a Callaway Golf podcast this week when asked about Woods’ best dig at him. “So every time I say, ‘Oh, I remember I beat you here at the Deustche Bank or I ended up beating you here at AT&T in 2012 blah, blah, blah,’ he just kind of puts his hands (up) and says, ‘Big picture.’

“Now he got me, and he’ll continue to get me.”

It’s hard to argue with.

Then Mickelson did. A trash talk of the trash talk.

“He uses that line – he overuses that line,” Mickelson said on the podcast. “Yeah you’re the greatest player in the world, you have the best record. Of course, big picture, you know? But let’s be creative, let’s come up with something a little bit more insightful; that’s your go-to line.

“He gets me with it every time, of course, but I think he could do better too.”

The post What’s the best trash talk Tiger Woods has ever dropped on Phil Mickelson? appeared first on Golf.

Phil Mickelson reveals 2 possible gear changes for the Match II

Jonathan Wall — Fri, 22 May 2020 10:20:56 +0000

Based on a recent bag photo, it’s safe to assume Tiger Woods won’t be making any equipment changes for the Match II. Phil Mickelson’s setup, on the other hand, appears to be a game-time decision.

During a recent interview on the Callaway Golf Podcast, Mickelson revealed he’s considering a couple of options that will be based on some important factors. Having never played Medalist before, Mickelson will either go with a Callaway X Forged Utility 2-iron (UST I-Rod 95 shaft) or Mavrik Sub Zero 5-wood (KBS 80 shaft) based on the weather conditions and trajectory needed to handle the course.

“The questions that I have are: Do I use 2-iron or a 5-wood?” Mickelson said. “I have never played the golf course, so I don’t know. Do I want to use that 2-iron that I can hit low. If I need to get the ball on the ground and run, I’ll use the 2-iron. On par 5s where I maybe need some more carry, I’ll use the 5-wood.”

Mickelson also plans to wait and settle on a flat stick. Outside of a brief run with Odyssey’s Stroke Lab Ten putter, his putter rotation has routinely featured a Versa #9 and older model White Hot XG blade. While that won’t change at Medalist, Mickelson divulged the thought process he goes through when settling on one or the other for a particular course.

“Do I use the putter I used to win the British Open in 2013 — it’s a little bit heavier mallet, Odyssey #9, with the white-black Versa technology,” he said. “I also ended up putting the White Hot XG blade in my bag, too. But that’s a little bit lighter. If it’s calm or if the greens are really fast, I might use that. I like going back and forth between the two.”

Something else to keep an eye on? Mickelson has been working on the driver at home and credited a softer Aldila Rogue Black 130 M.S.I. 60TX shaft with allowing him to get the face squared up at impact instead of missing it out to the left.

“I’m really excited with some of the changes I’ve made [to the driver],” he said. “One is my golf swing setup, and one is the driver head itself, as well as the shaft. Going to a slightly softer shaft allows me to square the clubhead up a lot easier. My miss with the driver is left, and this slightly softer shaft helps so I don’t have to use my hands as much. My miss really isn’t left anymore, it’s right. That takes some getting used to, but it allows me to swing freely with the driver.”

Mickelson and his game-time decision gear setup will team up with Tom Brady on Sunday to take on Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning. The match starts at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on TNT, TBS, truTV and HLN.

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Why Dustin Johnson thinks Tiger Woods will win The Match 2

The post Phil Mickelson reveals 2 possible gear changes for the Match II appeared first on Golf.

Tiger-Phil betting guide: How to wager on Woods and Peyton Manning versus Mickelson and Tom Brady

Nick Piastowski — Thu, 21 May 2020 23:35:13 +0000

Phil Mickelson won the first match.

Tiger Woods will win the rematch.

At least according to a scan of four betting outlets.

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and the SuperBook all favor the team of Woods and Peyton Manning over the team of Mickelson and Tom Brady for Sunday’s The Match: Champions for Charity, which will be broadcast on TNT starting at 3 p.m. For example, DraftKings lists Woods and Manning at -186 (bet $186 to win $286 total), while Mickelson and Brady are at +160 (bet $100 to win $260 total).

Of course, Woods was also the favorite in the first match, played in 2018.

A rundown of the regular and prop bets:

DraftKings

Main

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -186 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +160

Props

Leader after X holes

Leader after 12 holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -120 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +175 / Tie +450

Leader after 12 holes – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -175 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +138

Leader after 15 holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -137 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +175 / Tie +550

Leader after 15 holes – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -186 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +150

Leader after three holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +125 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +200 / Tie +225

Leader after 3 holes – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -155 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +125

Leader after six holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +100 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +175 / Tie +335

Leader after six holes – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -162 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +130

Leader after nine holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -110 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +175 / Tie +400

Leader after nine holes – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -175 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +138

First to go up X

First to go 1-up

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -150 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +120

First to go 2-up

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -175 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +138

Hole in one

Hole in one in the tournament

Yes +5000

Back nine

Hole 10-18 winner

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -106 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +188 / Tie +350

Hole 10-18 winner – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -200 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +155

Most par X holes won

Most par-3 holes won – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -155 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +125

Most par-4 holes won – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -175 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +138

Most par-5 holes won – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -155 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +125

Match specials

Eagle in the tournament

Yes +375 / No -500

Either team to hole a shot from off the green

Yes +260 / No -335

Hole on which the match will be won

Holes 15-17 +110 / 18th hole or extra holes +175 / 14th hole or earlier +300

To be decided by a playoff

Yes +600 / No -1000

Hole specials

Hole 1

Hole 1 – longest tee shot

Tom Brady +100 / Peyton Manning -125

Hole 1 winner

Tie -134 / Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +250 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +335

Hole 1 winner – tie no bet

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -137 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +110

Peyton Manning birdie on hole 1

Yes +900 / No -2500

Peyton Manning fairway in regulation – hole 1

Yes -134 / No +105

Peyton Manning green in regulation – hole 1

Yes +110 / No -137

Phil Mickelson birdie on hole 1

Yes +400 / No -590

Phil Mickelson fairway in regulation – hole 1

Yes -175 / No +138

Phil Mickelson green in regulation – hole 1

Yes -225 / No +170

Tiger Woods birdie on hole 1

Yes +400 / No -590

Tiger Woods fairway in regulation – hole 1

Yes -250 / No +190

Tiger Woods green in regulation – hole 1

Yes -275 / No +200

Tom Brady birdie on hole 1

Yes +1100 / No -3335

Tom Brady fairway in regulation – hole 1

Yes -118 / No -106

Tom Brady green in regulation – hole 1

Yes +138 / No -175

Hole 3 – longest tee shot

Tiger Woods -134 / Phil Mickelson +105

Hole 3 – longest tee shot

Tom Brady +100 / Peyton Manning -125

Hole 4 – nearest to the hole after tee shot

Tiger Woods +125 / Phil Mickelson +175 / Peyton Manning +600/ Tom Brady +650

Hole 5 winner

Tie +120 / Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +200 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +250

Hole 5 winner – tie no bet

Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +110 / Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -134

Hole 8 – nearest to the hole after tee shot

Tiger Woods +125 / Phil Mickelson +175 / Peyton Manning +600 / Tom Brady +650

FanDuel

Main

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -210 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +172

Props

Hole specials

To win hole 1

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +270 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +280 / Tie -135

To lead after three holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +150 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +175 / Tie +220

To lead after six holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +135 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +160 / Tie +280

To lead after nine holes

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning +110 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +150 / Tie +400

Match finishing hole

Match finish on hole 18 or later +130 / Match finish on 17th +300 / Match finish on 16th +340 / Match finish on 15th +550 / Match finish on 14th +900 / Match finish on 13th +2000 / Match finish on 12th + 5000 / Match finish on 10th +10000 / Match finish on 11th +10000

First to go 1-up

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -136 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +116

Nearest to pin

Hole 4 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson)

Tiger Woods -120 / Phil Mickelson +100

Hole 4 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady)

Peyton Manning -160 / Tom Brady +130

Hole 4 – closest to the pin after tee shot

Tiger Woods +125 / Phil Mickelson +140 / Peyton Manning +650 / Tom Brady +800

Hole 8 – closest to the pin after tee shot

Tiger Woods +125 / Phil Mickelson +140 / Peyton Manning +650 / Tom Brady +800

Hole 8 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady)

Peyton Manning -160 / Tom Brady +130

Hole 8 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson)

Tiger Woods -120 / Phil Mickelson +100

Hole 12 – closest to the pin after tee shot

Tiger Woods +125 / Phil Mickelson +140 / Peyton Manning +650 / Tom Brady +800

Hole 12 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady)

Peyton Manning -160 / Tom Brady +130

Hole 12 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson)

Tiger Woods -120 / Phil Mickelson +100

Hole 16 – closest to the pin after tee shot

Tiger Woods +125 / Phil Mickelson +140 / Peyton Manning +650 / Tom Brady +800

Hole 16 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady)

Peyton Manning -160 / Tom Brady +130

Hole 16 – closest to the pin after tee shot (Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson)

Tiger Woods -120 / Phil Mickelson +100

BetMGM

Main

Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning -200 / Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady +175