‘He’s still super likable’: What it was like to follow Phil Mickelson around in the U.S. Open crowd

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Phil Mickelson has played in front of some of golf’s largest and loudest crowds for nearly his entire career. For years, it was routine for Phil to step up to a tee box and be showered with words of encouragement that no one other than Tiger can top. A mere thumbs up would send a crowd into a frenzy. Now, surrounded by the controversial decision to join LIV Golf, Phil finds himself walking into an unknown crowd reaction for the first time in his illustrious career at the 2022 U.S. Open.

We saw a different Phil Mickelson at Monday’s press conference; would we see a different Phil crowd during his practice round Tuesday?

During his practice area routine, the crowd was rather subdued by Phil’s standards. There wasn’t the same raucous reaction that was heard just minutes earlier when Rory walked across a catwalk back to the clubhouse. The same crowd was in wait-and-see mode for Phil to make the short walk from the practice green to the first tee alongside Jon Rahm and Kevin Na.

Once Phil stepped up to the tee box, there was applause, but nothing more than what any other household name might receive. Then it happened: “We love you, Phil!” shouted one fan stacked a few deep against the railing.

Just like old times, Phil turned his head and gave a gleeful thumbs-up to the crowd. His facial expression was one of gratitude. This wasn’t the stock smile Phil has shared for decades when giving one of his million thumbs up. It looked and felt sincere after months of turmoil.

A few others from the crowd chimed in once the ice was broken. “Go Phil” and “Let’s go Lefty” were the most commonly heard phrases. With that, Phil was off after a pleasant first hole experience, but not his typical first hole experience.

The sea of people that typically follow Phil’s every move mostly stayed put on the first tee.

Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and alternate Rickie Fowler were slated to tee off on No. 1 a half-hour after Phil. A common sentiment in the crowd was that fans were sticking around to follow three younger stars in the game. A changing of the guard in terms of popularity or a sign that Phil has lost grip on his loyal followers?

“My kids love JT, Rickie, and Spieth,” said one father of two. “It’s nothing against Phil. I’m just trying to keep my kids happy. If it were up to me, I’d probably split my time between both groups. But they don’t have the same connection with him as me.”

Nonetheless, you would be hard-pressed to find a single fan booing or sharing a negative sentiment with Phil at The Country Club. Occasionally, a playful “Take that money, Phil!” or “Sox money line is the play tonight, Phil” about Phil’s well-known gambling history.

“The vibe was surprisingly positive I didn’t hear a single negative word said his way,” said Clifton from Dedham, Mass. “I’ll be cheering for him this week.”

It turns out Phil’s fans are willing to forgive, look the other way or just not care whatsoever about recent events.

“Everyone still loves him,” said James from Boston. “It’s certainly an interesting time in his career and I’m sure there are people who disagree with what he did but he’s out here and people are still cheering for him. I mean, he’s Phil Mickelson. He’s still super likable.”

Most fans in attendance view Phil’s move to LIV Golf as a business decision they are willing to accept because they might have done the same. While they might not openly cheer for him, they aren’t going out of their way to boo him either.

“I’m not thrilled with Phil,” said Fran from Brookline. “I understand the money, I mean who is going to say no to that much? But I think at the end of the day he doesn’t need it. I don’t wish him ill. If someone offered me $200 million, I’d have to take it.

“The money is too much to say no to,” added Fran’s friend Lisa from Newport Beach. “I understand it but I don’t love it.”

At the end of the day, the fans are mostly sticking by Phil’s side – for now. But there’s still concern about the potential long-term impact.

“This is his profession. He made a decision that he feels is right for him,” said Bobby from Quincy. “Hopefully, he doesn’t regret it in the long run. I don’t want it to tarnish his legacy because he’s such a legend of the game.”

Tuesday was an early indication that Phil should be in-store for a slightly tamer, but positive, U.S. Open fan experience this weekend.

Golf.com Editor

As Director of Social Media and Commerce, Reilly manages two departments at GOLF. He spends his days with one eye scrolling through social feeds and the other on Shopify. Charles Barkley’s old golf swing is prettier than Reilly’s weekly screen time. When the Long Island native checks out for a few hours, he can be found taking a twilight stroll with his push-cart. Contact: Tim.Reilly@golf.com