Phil Mickelson Ryder Cup grudge match vs. Ian Poulter might be in the works
Mickelson sparked a discussion among Ian Poulter and other golf figures as they want in on his potential content adventure.
Phil Mickelson appears to have taken some notes from Bryson DeChambeau and other golf content creators. Who says an old dog cannot learn new tricks?
Toronto radio host Chris McKee stated Lefty would instantly become the most sought-after television analyst after seeing Mickelson hint at retirement.
Those words prompted the six-time major winner to respond.
“Thank you for the kind words. However, just because someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it,” Mickelson wrote. “Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9-hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video, but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch, I think too.”
Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality…
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 8, 2024
Ian Poulter then replied to Lefty. It seems a former Ryder Cup rivalry could be simmering.
The Englishman comically trolled himself and pitched his content idea to Mickelson.
“I’m happy to be the Schmos if you like.. just like we could have been Ryder Cup Captains against each other,” Poulter wrote. “Which ain’t happening now. So name the place and time, and I will bring the [camera emoji]. I’m all in [thumbs up and fist pump emoji]. Just put those calf muscles away. Tartans trousers only.”
I’m happy to be the Schmos if you like.. just like we could have been Ryder Cup Captains against each other. Which ain’t happening now. So name the place and time and I will bring the I’m all in Just put those calf muscles away. Tartans trousers only.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) May 8, 2024
Lefty only needed three words to answer Poulter’s request.
“Let’s do this,” he wrote.
However, Poulter was not the only person who offered to join him.
Wesley Bryan of Bryan Bros Golf YouTube channel commented on his first tweet, ready to play Lefty.
Count us in @bryanbrosgolf
— Wesley Bryan (@wesleybryangolf) May 9, 2024
Their Twitter account even challenged Mickelson, “What about pros vs. YouTubers?? Ok, see you soon.”
What about pros bs YouTubers?? Ok see you soon!
— Bryan Bros Golf (@bryanbrosgolf) May 8, 2024
Mickelson came back with a witty response to the Bryan Bros.
“Ok but no strokes for you guys,” he wrote. “Only true schmos. I feel like this would be more of a pros vs pros match. Which is cool, too.”
Ok but no strokes for you guys. Only true schmos.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 9, 2024
I feel this would be more a pros vs pros match. Which is cool too
It appears Mickelson has been around DeChambeau enough to realize the value of unofficial content brings to the game.
However, would Poulter be the answer to getting more eyes on golf, or would playing against YouTube Golfers be more popular?
Mickelson’s quick wit and personality are perfect for content creation. He has gone viral numerous times already.
With his game diminishing at the highest level, making videos should be Lefty's next step.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.