Hero of the Year

Phil Mickelson defies his age

It has to be Leftie. His amazing USPGA Championship win at Kiawah Island gave hope to all ageing golfers. Producing an exceptional display of skill and fortitude, Mickelson became the oldest player to win a Major Championship. Aged nearly 51, he sent the Kiawah crowds and those watching on TV into raptures.

Jack Nicklaus had contended well into the 1998 Masters aged 58 and Tom Watson famously lost a play-off for the 2009 Open at 59, but Mickelson finally got the job done for the over-50s. His triumph over players half his age demonstrated the importance of fitness, mental strength and strategy in golf.