Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Mickelson will inspire Woods
TIGER Woods will be inspired by seeing longtime rival Phil Mickelson get back in the winners’ circle, according to threetime Major winner Jordan Spieth.
Mickelson claimed his first victory since the 2013 Open by beating Justin Thomas in a play-off for the WGC-Mexico title.
At the age of 47, Mickelson i s the oldest winner of any World Golf Championship event and will fancy his chances of winning a fourth Masters title next month, with a US Open victory to complete a career grand slam also looking a more realistic prospect.
Woods turned 42 i n December and will play the fourth PGA Tour event of his latest comeback when he makes his debut in the Valspar Championship this week, where he has been paired with Spieth and Henrik Stenson in the first two rounds at Innisbrook.
“Seeing Phil win I think was really cool for Tiger, to recognise I’ve got all this time to be still able to get to that high level,” Spieth said.
“Knowing his nature that he’s displayed over the last 20 years, it still wouldn’t be surprising if, come Masters time, he’s in the hunt on Sunday and that’s pretty amazing to say.”
Spieth also believes Mickelson and Woods now have more in common, adding: “There’s a lot of similarities now. Tiger’s a family man, he’s been more open with everybody compared to what I heard he was like before, which was head down, focus, this is go time.”