This ball changes - Callaway Golf

father’s day
interview
The next
one’s
for dad
Winning the
U.S. Open
for my father
would mean
the world
to me.
By Phil mickelson
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MICKELSON FAMILY
Winning The PLAYERS
Championship last year was
a big thrill for several reasons,
one of which was being able
to give my mother a gift I knew
she would really appreciate
on Mother’s Day.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe it was nine years ago
when Payne Stewart, who had just won the U.S. Open,
gripped my face and said, “You’re going to be a father
and there’s nothing greater in the world.” Amy was
expecting our first child and I was very excited about that
but, for a second or two there at Pinehurst, I had my
doubts about Payne’s words. Our daughter Amanda was
born the next day and I immediately understood what
Payne meant. When I think back to that moment, it always
makes me realize how much my father means to me.
Golf has rewarded me with many great experiences,
but one of my very favorite memories is walking in through
the brush from the far side of Balboa Municipal after the
sun went down with my dad. My father’s optimism, wisdom
and patience have been invaluable. He is far and away the
man I admire most because I couldn’t be the father I am
now without his guidance. I now have a chance to raise my
children the same way he and my mom raised me.
Another memory that stands out clearly in my mind
is when I was about eight years old. Dad would often take
me out to play nine holes after school, and one day I
started slamming my clubs down after I missed a shot or
putt. Finally, my dad said to me, “Phil, you don’t look like
you’re having fun. Put your clubs up until you’re ready to
have fun out here.” I walked for one hole and then told
him I was ready to have fun again. He said, “OK, let’s play
the last hole together.”
A few years later, he drove me to a two-day event in
Tucson. I was one or two shots back after the first day, but
I shot about a million in the last round. On the way home,
he said, “Let’s look at the bright side. What did you learn
today that you can work on and be better at next time”
We spent the long ride home talking through every shot.
I’ve come close to giving my dad a perfect Father’s Day
gift. I’ve been in a great position to win the U.S. Open
three times now, but haven’t quite done it yet. I’ve taken
care of Mom with a win. Dad’s is coming.
SUMMER 2008 Callaway Golf 29