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Phil

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

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Phil

Written by: Alan Shipnuck
Narrated by: Alan Shipnuck
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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. Entertainment & Celebrities Golf Sports Celebrity Marriage Biography Career
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Very entertaining throughout. At times it felt like a bit too many golf recaps, but it helped as it reminded the reader who might have forgotten Phil’s highlights / lowlights. But very fun to listen to through and through.

A fascinating story

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I felt the writer could have done better, given the dynamis subject. Phil is quite an interesting character ter for sure.

great subject.

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Interesting insight into one of golf’s most interesting and captivating players. Just like his career, his story is mostly fascinating and entertaining, sometimes frustrating lol. Reliving his biggest failures or near-misses is just as devastating as watching it on tv live back in the day. But like the book says, Phil always “goes for it”. For better or for worse.

Interesting listen about one of the game’s greats

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Alan - your audiobook was a pleasure to listen to. I’m a similar age as Phil and being a golfer have always been a big fan. Payne transferred my likeness to Phil on the 18th green! I love the opportunity to get closer to the real people behind the ‘star mask’! To be honest my affinity for Phil has wavered over the years………as each tid-bit of information leaked on each scandal or flaw I grew leary! Today I feel like Phil has taken his fans for granted, played us a fool as he believes he’s smarter and we’ll always be there. I suppose the hundreds of millions he has isn’t enough, I hope ‘his tour’ closes shop sooner than later and he fades into the sunset. I’ll remember how great Phil was on the course, his go for it attitude but I will not be going out of my way to see any future episodes he drums up next……his star has faded in so many ways!!

Well Done Alan!

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Interesting and engaging. You get to understand Phil a little better and what makes the man

Good overview of Phil

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