Phil
The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * “A rollicking good time.” —Golfweek * “Thoroughly engaging.” —The Washington Post
Now with a new afterword: a juicy and freewheeling biography of legendary golf champion Phil Mickelson—who has led a big, controversial life—as reported by longtime Sports Illustrated writer and bestselling author Alan Shipnuck.
Phil Mickelson is one of the most compelling figures in sports. For more than three decades he has been among the best golfers in the world, and his unmatched longevity was exemplified at the 2021 PGA Championship, when Mickelson, on the cusp of turning fifty-one, became the oldest player in history to win a major championship.
In this raw, uncensored, and unauthorized biography, Alan Shipnuck captures a singular life defined by thrilling victories, crushing defeats, and countless controversies. Mickelson is a multifaceted character, and all his warring impulses are on display in these pages: He is a smart-ass who built an empire on being the consummate professional; a loving husband dogged by salacious rumors; a high-stakes gambler who knows the house always wins but can’t tear himself away. Mickelson’s career and public image have been defined by the contrast with his lifelong rival, Tiger Woods. Where Woods is robotic and reticent, Mickelson is affable and extroverted, an incorrigible showman whom many fans love and some abhor because of the overwhelming size of his personality. In their early years together on Tour, Mickelson lacked Tiger’s laser focus and discipline, leading Tida Woods to call her son’s rival “the fat boy,” among other put-downs. Yet as Tiger’s career has been curtailed by scandal, addiction, and a broken body, Phil sails on, still relevant on the golf course and in the marketplace.
Phil is the perfect marriage of subject and author. Shipnuck has long been known as the most fearless writer on the golf beat, and he delivers numerous revelations, from the true scale of Mickelson’s massive gambling losses; to the inside story of the acrimonious breakup between Phil and his longtime caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay; to the secretive backstory of the Saudi golf league that Mickelson championed to wield as leverage against the PGA Tour. But Phil also celebrates Mickelson’s random acts of kindness and generosity of spirit, to which friends and strangers alike can attest. Shipnuck has covered Mickelson for his entire career and has been on the ground at Mickelson’s most memorable triumphs and crack-ups, allowing him to take you inside the ropes with a thrilling immediacy and intimacy. The result is the juiciest and liveliest golf book in years—full of heart, humor, and unexpected turns.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Golf can be a pretty buttoned-up sport, but Phil Mickelson spent 25 years changing that with his fiery demeanor and larger-than-life persona. Written by longtime sports reporter Alan Shipnuck, this biography dives deep into one of the most interesting professional golfers of all time, starting with his first foray into rule-breaking when he began swinging left-handed as a child. Shipnuck isn’t afraid to discuss every aspect of the enigmatic superstar—including a proclivity for gambling that may have lost him tens of millions of dollars and his controversial comments about a potential Saudi Arabian golf league. Shipnuck’s decades of experience covering the sport shine through these wild and surprising stories. Whether you’re a golf aficionado or just a casual sports fan, this is a fascinating read.
Customer Reviews
Phil fan ? Then Read this !
I’ve followed Phil his entire career. Shipnuk captures much of what I witnessed or read. I’ve cheered and been disappointed for him in US Opens and for how he’s handled LIV: But it’s never boring.
Thanks for the Book!
Phil
Interesting quick read
Fun read
The book was fun and somewhat interesting. Changed my perspective a little about the man. Still think he’s a talented and great golfer who lost some fame during the Tiger era.