Phil Mickelson, a fellow World Golf Hall of Fame member, is regarded as "The People's Champion" for signing more autographs, giving out more high-fives, and giving thumbs up to spectators during his PGA TOUR career than most of his contemporaries.
Also with having a good time with his fans, Mickelson also tries to be nice to the Golf Club's employees. The staff at each club considers him to be the best tipper of all the golfers. Even if he doesn't win a tournament, Mickelson is always kind to the employees and generously tips them.
Phil Mickelson Once Reflected on the Strong Influence Arnold Palmer Had on His Career: ‘Tried to Emulate and Admired…’
Phil Mickelson is one of the few golfers whom others look up to as their role model. Other than his incredible golfing skills, his interactions with fans are something many try to learn from him. But did you know that Lefty, too, has a role model who has influenced him to a great extent?
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“Arnold was a guy I really looked up to and tried to emulate and admired the way he played the game,” said Mickelson. He shared how much influence the legendary golfer had on him with the press before his Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2012.
Mickelson explained that he admired everything Palmer had done for his game as well as for the audience. “The way he handled himself, the way he treated other professionals and everybody,” Lefty added.
Phil further added that he began to admire Palmer the U. S. Open of 1994; It was his first-ever U. S. Open, whereas Palmer’s last one. Mickelson continued, “Watching him treat the volunteers to an hour-and-a-half discussion and autograph session, picture session when he didn’t have to do it.
Lefty explained he learned commitment towards the audience is as important as playing good golf from there.
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Phil Mickelson – the people’s champion
After learning the golf course etiquette from the King himself, Mickelson had tried to do the same throughout his career. The video put together by the PGA Tour is enough to understand how he interacts with his audience.
Money comes and goes. However, it is the relationships between each other that stay long. Mickelson learned it from Palmer from the way he gave consideration to the volunteers of the U. S. Open in 1994. And he has been practicing the same after all these years. It is one of the reasons Mickelson is considered the people’s champion.
Sources: essentiallysports.com & PGA TOUR