Phil

The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar

By: Alan Shipnuck

Narrated by: Alan Shipnuck

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.

Excellent

Incredibly fair and balanced biography of a complex legend of the game. SGL comments are a small part of a deep dive into the life and career of Lefty.

Well done!

As an avid golf fan, the subject matter was very interesting to me and I was concerned that it may end up being a "poop on Phil" piece. I'm a Tiger guy but I appreciate Phil's achievements. Alan did a tremendous job writing and narrating a comprehensive view of a complex man. This was a well done book that helps even the casual golf fan better understand the enigma that is Phil. For a first timer, loved Alan's narration style. He kept me engaged, was very easy to follow and understand. Without reading a hard copy, I felt this was better way to consume the material. Well done!

Interesting book

This book has the good and bad included. It’s interesting and as the guy who leaked the comments I guess this is his side of the story. Seems one sided but most books are so it’s a fun listen and lots of awesome Phil lore in there. 5 stars because of all the great Phil history

Very entertaining

This book was very entertaining and told the story of Phil fairly with highlights of both his best attributes highlighted as well as his biggest flaws.
While the narration was not a typical Audible experience, I did appreciate the emphasis that the writer brought to certain parts and enjoyed his fast paced telling of the book.

Who is Phil Mickelson

Incredibly well done description of a remarkable career. This book could make you love or hate Phil. In my mind both descriptions could be right or wrong depending on your prospective. The author fills your mind with check marks on both sides, but bottom line he lets you decide. Well worth the read/listen, especially if you are a golfer of any ability, and even more so if you follow professional golf to any degree. I loved the flashbacks to his career highlights and lowlights.