Phil Mickelson Reveals the Origin of His ‘Tiger Slayer’ Putter

Phil Mickelson has shared the story behind naming his putter the ‘Tiger Slayer,’ explaining it as a symbol of his success against Tiger Woods during their competitive years.

In a recent YouTube discussion with Grant Horvat, Mickelson praised Woods as “the greatest of all time” but emphasized that he managed to hold his own and even gain the upper hand over the legendary golfer.

He recounted a standout moment in 2012 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where a hot streak with his putter led to a final-round victory over Woods, with Mickelson shooting 64 compared to Woods’ 75. This performance marked a turning point, earning his putter its name and symbolizing his dominance in that period.

Mickelson explained that while Woods dominated him early in their careers, he managed to catch up in the second half. “He owned me in the first part of our careers, but I evened the score later on,” Mickelson said.

He also admired Woods’ exceptional skill, especially during his Tiger Slam phase, but credited coaching with Butch Harmon for improving his own game and head-to-head record. “After 2007, I started working with Butch, and my results against Woods improved significantly,” Mickelson stated.

He believes that their head-to-head encounters are now on equal footing, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry and mutual respect.