Skip to main content

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, Ian Poulter, Ryder Cup
Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, Ryder Cup
Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via Getty Images

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.”

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.”

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.

Their Twitter account even challenged Mickelson, “What about pros vs. YouTubers?? Ok, see you soon.”

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.”

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.

More in Golf

Golf
PGA TOUR LIVE testing out new commentator-less broadcastPGA TOUR LIVE testing out new commentator-less broadcast
Golf

PGA Tour Live is testing out an announcer-less stream this week

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Trey Mullinax suspended 6 months for violating PGA Tour Anti-Doping policyTrey Mullinax suspended 6 months for violating PGA Tour Anti-Doping policy
Golf

The PGA Tour announced that Trey Mullinax has been suspended for 6 months

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Jenny Shin wins ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish OpenJenny Shin wins ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open
Golf

Jenny Shin had quite the win in Scotland

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Jackson Koivun proves future is now with 3M Open victoryJackson Koivun proves future is now with 3M Open victory
Golf

Jackson Koivun brought the future to the 3M Open with his win

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Multi-year partnership announced between PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian TourMulti-year partnership announced between PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour
Golf

The future of professional golf is starting to take shape

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Notah Begay III officially named Payne Stewart Award recipientNotah Begay III officially named Payne Stewart Award recipient
Golf

Last weekend was a big one for Notah Begay

By RJ Ochoa

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...