When it comes to the modern success of Phil Mickelson, he keeps it all in the family. That means employing his brother Tim as caddie after 20-plus years with Jim “Bones” Mackay on the bag. Here are five things to know about Tim Mickelson.
1. Before this, he was an agent
Just a few years ago, Phil Mickelson was still playing with longtime caddie Jim Mackay. Jon Rahm, an up-and-coming talent on the PGA Tour was catching the eyes of many. His agent? Tim Mickelson. Mickelson served in the role of Rahm’s agent for about 17 months at Lagardère Sports. Since taking over the caddying gig Mickelson has been forced into backing off his agent gig, though Rahm stayed with the Lagardère brand.
2. And before that he was a coach
The main reason why Mickelson became Rahm’s agent was that he originally recruited Rahm to come play at Arizona State, where Mickelson was the head coach for five years, from 2011 through 2016. It was in that 2016 season that Mickelson’s team had its best finish, taking 9th at nationals after winning the regional tournament. Prior to ASU, Tim coached at the University of San Diego for eight years.
3. And before that, a player as well
Phil Mickelson isn’t the only one in the family to get a Tour start. Tim played in the 1999 Buick Invitational, missing the cut just like brother Phil. In 2010, Tim actually made it to a playoff against one of the players on his very own team (at U of San Diego), Gunner Wiebe. Their sloppy playoff eventually was won by Giebe, but not for lack of an impressive effort by Mickelson.
4. His dream foursome is different than yours
If Tim could pick any three other people to join him for a round, he’s going with president Abraham Lincoln, swimsuit model Kelly Rohrbach and universally known physicist Isaac Newton. How’s that for a squad? No Phil, Arnie, Jack, Tiger or any other golf greats. Tim is learning some non-golf stuff while he’s dreaming with this group.
5. He and Phil are ambidextrous opposites
Tim Mickelson is left-handed but plays golf right-handed. His brother is exactly the opposite — right-handed but playing golf left-handed. How’s that for odd? It’s possible you’ve already known Phil’s handedness based off many popular videos of him slinging the football around.
