Phil Mickelson pens down EMOTIONAL message following passing of former coach Dave Pelz at the age of 85

Phil Mickelson paid tribute to his former short-game coach, Dave Pelz, who passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday.

Phil Mickelson pens down EMOTIONAL message following passing of former coach Dave Pelz at the age of 85

Dave Pelz and Phil Mickelson (Image via The Mirror/NY Post)

This past Sunday, on March 23, the world of golf lost one of it’s finest coaches as renowned short-game coach Dave Pelz passed away at the age of 85. 6-time major champion Phil Mickelson led tributes for him on Wednesday by penning an emotional message for his former coach.

Pelz spent 14 years as a scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) before entering the golfing realm. He would become an instructor and coached several major champions such as Tom Kite, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart, and Patrick Reed.

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Pelz also coached Mickelson during the golfer’s prime years and helped him immensely to improve his short game. The “Lefty” hailed him on social media on Wednesday and wrote down an emotional note in his memory.

I have so many things to say about this incredible man. I owe so much of my success to the many things he taught me and he lives on as I share those same insights to numerous other golfers. The laughs we shared along the way is what I cherish most, and I look forward to paying tribute to this great man with “Pelz stories” in the near future. Rest in peace my friend.

Phil Mickelson on X

Pelz took up golf during his younger days and even received a 4-year scholarship from Indiana University. As per reports he also teed off with Jack Nicklaus on several occasions.

He used his knowledge from NASA and started researching into the short aspects of the game. His research eventually elevated the importance of short game in golf and was credited as a innovator of the game.

He published two books titled “Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible” and “Putting Bible,” which later became best-sellers. Pelz would later open a school, where he helped players reach their potential and understand the greens of golf.

Phil Mickelson lauds Tiger Woods’ TGL league following successful first season

On Tuesday, the Atlanta Drive GC staged an epic comeback in Game 2 of the TGL finals against the New York Golf Club. The team came from 0-3 down to win 4-3 and swept the inaugural finals. After the end of the first season, Phil Mickelson surprisingly lauded the concept of Tiger Woods‘ league.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson (Image via Imago)

The TGL was announced in 2022. Alongside Woods, 4-time major champion Rory McIlroy also serves as the co-owner of this league.

Initially, many would shrug off the TGL and did not seem interested in a simulator golf league. However, the TGL turned out to be a massive hit among the fans and attracted a lot of viewers in its first season.

Seeing the success of the TGL, Phil Mickelson lauded the concept of it. In a tweet on X, the 54-year-old golfer claimed that it would be “great” for golf if the TGL succeeded while pointing out the fan experience of this.

These words from Mickelson comes as a surprise due to his relationship with Woods. While the two of them remained as long-time rivals during their prime years, their relationship started to become more friendly as they started growing older.

However, after the formation of LIV Golf, their relationship once again took a hit. Mickelson was one of the top names who left the PGA Tour. Before the 150th Open Championship, Woods claimed that the LIV golfers had “turned their back” on the tour.

After the PGA Tour recently held the Creator Classic at the TPC Sawgrass before The Players Championship, LIV Golf has now announced its own classic showdown with content creators. Phil Mickelson will take part in this event alongside a popular YouTube star.

Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson (Image via Imago)

Six teams consisting of 12 players will take part in The Duels: Miami. This event will see LIV golfers team up with YouTube stars. Mickelson, the HyFlyers GC captain, will team with YouTube golf star Grant Horvat in this event.

Horvat did take part in the PGA Tour Creator Classic and came out as the winner. He won the event with a 15-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole and beat out Chris Solomon of “No Laying Up” and George Bryan IV of “Bryan Bros Golf.”

A couple of days ago, he was seen alongside. He would share a video of him hitting a tee shot on the course. Check out a video regarding that below:

As per the official LIV Golf website, the event will air exclusively on April 5. This means that the event will premiere amid the LIV Golf Miami event at the Trump Doral Course from April 4 to 6.