Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DOUGH’S NEEDED.. Phil: Big prize means big pressure
PHIL MICKELSON claims bragging rights matter more than money ahead of his $9million clash with Tiger Woods in Las Vegas.
The pair have had a storied rivalry through the years but it is Woods who has often had the last laugh.
Tomorrow, with both men set to wear mics during ‘The Match’ at Shadow Creek, Mickelson claims viewers will get a unique glimpse into what goes on inside the ropes.
He said: “It’s an insight into the game which you’re normally not able to see. It’s why it’s on pay-per-view because we had to eliminate the commercials to have that insight in-between shots.
“We don’t have the history of a Masters or a major championship, which is why the (prize figure) had to be so high because that creates an uncomfortable environment for us and creates pressure.”
Mickelson added: “He’s the greatest of all time. I’ve seen him do things with a golf ball that have never been done.
“I just don’t want to lose to him and give him satisfaction because the bragging rights are going to be what’s even worse than the money.
“Every time I see him I want to be able to rub it in. I don’t want it to be rubbed in. I want to sit in the champions’ locker room at Augusta and talk smack.”
Woods, at 42 six years younger than Mickelson, said: “We’ve gone at it for over two decades and we’ve had our moments.
“I’ve always enjoyed knowing the fact that I was going against Phil over these years because I knew he was going to be tough.”
The duo confirmed all the high stakes side bets will come from their own pockets.
Mickelson laid down the first challenge as he said: “I’m willing to risk $100,000 that says I birdie the first hole”, to which Woods replied: “Double it”, and the challenge was accepted.