The Loop
Phil Mickelson's "chip-putt" on a hail-covered green is the ultimate Phil-being-Phil moment
The 1999 Williams World Challenge is notable for a couple reasons. For one, it was the first year of Tiger Woods hosting his annual year-end event, now the Hero World Challenge, which will take place in the Bahamas next week. And secondly, it was the scene of Phil Mickelson pulling off arguably his ultimate Phil-being-Phil moment.
No, it didn't lead to a Mickelson victory (Tom Lehman won this inaugural event and its then gaudy $1 million prize), but Lefty hit the shot that left everyone talking. Even to this day.
Played Dec. 29-Jan. 2, Mickelson struggled for the week and looked like he might have to stick around longer than he hoped when a hail storm hit Greyhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale during the final round. On the 18th hole, Mickelson and playing partner Mark O'Meara decided to finish out their round despite hail still covering the green.
After O'Meara had trouble getting a 30-foot putt to the hole (he wound up four-putting), Mickelson decided his best option to avoid the mess was to pitch his ball from 25 feet. And of course, he did this:
"I just needed a few obstacles," Mickelson joked after, before adding, "The chip-putt was the shot of my year."
No arguments here.