The Loop

Watch Phil Mickelson do a very Phil Mickelson thing by holing this tough bunker shot

October 08, 2015

Phil Mickelson has gone from controversial captain's pick to the potential MVP of the U.S. team.

We heard about his leadership leading up to the matches. We saw his humor in the team photos. And on Thursday, we saw some of the short-game magic that has made Mickelson an all-time great.

After partner Zach Johnson put Phil in a difficult spot with his tee shot on the par-3 13th hole at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, Mickelson responded with this:

The unlikely birdie gave Mickelson and Johnson a 2-up lead in their opening match they'd go onto win 2 and 1. And you know it was a great shot because it got Johnson, aka Mr. Serious this week, to give him not one, but TWO firm handshakes.