Phil Mickelson writes to Tiger Woods as the 15x Major champion celebrates his 50th birthday

Phil Mickelson marked Tiger Woods’ 50th birthday by praising his longtime rival for what he has given to the game of golf. Born on December 30, 1975, Woods turned professional at the age of 20 and went on to build one of the most decorated careers in the sport. He has recorded 106 worldwide wins, including 82 PGA Tour victories and 15 major championships.

As Tiger Woods celebrated the milestone, Mickelson took to X to share a public message acknowledging his contribution to the sport.

“Wishing @TigerWoods a happy 50th birthday. His contributions to golf are numerous and appreciated by all who love the game. 🎂🎂,” Mickelson wrote.

The message stood out, given the long and often complicated history between the two players. Phil Mickelson turned professional five years before Woods and had already won nine PGA Tour titles by the time Woods arrived on tour in 1996. Still, Woods quickly rose to the top, reshaping modern golf with his dominance.

Many of Woods’ achievements changed golf history. His win at the 2000 Open Championship at St. Andrews made him the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam and only the fifth golfer to do so. The following year, he became the first player to hold all four major titles simultaneously.

Mickelson and Woods were close in the early years of Woods’ career, but their relationship faded in the late 1990s as their rivalry grew. That gap remained for years before easing at the 2016 Ryder Cup, where they worked together as part of Team USA’s leadership at Hazeltine.

Speaking later on the Dan Patrick radio show, Mickelson reflected on how that period helped change their relationship.

"Our relationship turned around 2016 when we were working together for the Ryder Cup. He was an assistant captain. We spent a lot of time on the phone. When we worked together for a common goal, it brought us closer.'' (via ESPN)

Their improved relationship became visible in the years that followed, including a practice round together at the 2018 Masters and being paired for the opening rounds of The Players Championship. Despite competing in different leagues now, the two share clear mutual respect.

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Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods reflect on their rivalry and mutual respect

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have shared mutual respect alongside their rivalry over the years. One of the examples came in 2021, when Mickelson made history by winning the PGA Championship at the age of 50, becoming the oldest major champion in golf.

Woods was quick to acknowledge the moment. Reacting on social media, he praised Mickelson’s achievement and called it inspirational.

"Truly inspirational to see @PhilMickelson do it again at 50 years of age. Congrats!!!!!!!" Woods posted.

The respect has gone both ways. Mickelson has openly said that he considered Woods the greatest golfer of all time while also reflecting honestly on how their rivalry played out over the years.

Earlier this year, Phil Mickelson spoke about that dynamic during a conversation with YouTuber Grant Horvat. He admitted that Woods’ overall record and influence on the game remain unmatched.

"Obviously, his record is his record. He's the greatest of all time. I've seen him do things with a golf ball that I've never seen anyone else do. His play in 2000 was indescribable. He owned me in the early part of our careers, and the second part, I owned him. Our head-to-head record is, I believe, dead even."

Phil Mickelson also admitted that Woods controlled the early part of their rivalry both in results and head-to-head meetings. According to him, Woods set a standard in the late 1990s and early 2000s that no one else could reach at the time.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam