Phil Mickelson has added to the frenzy following Tiger Woods’ viral golf swing video, saying it is “great to see Tiger swinging a golf club again”.
Posting to Twitter this morning, Mickelson made a jibe in response to Woods’ recent post captioned “making progress,” which was accompanied by a short video of the champion golfer hitting golf balls with a smooth swing.
The video is the first comment to come from Woods after his February 23 car accident which left him with severe leg injuries.
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“As I’m hanging in Montana, it’s great to see Tiger swinging a golf club again. I know he can’t stand me holding a single record so I’m guessing HE wants to be the oldest to ever win a major. I’ll just say this. BRING IT!” Mickelson tweeted.
https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1462560636001345541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Despite only being three seconds in duration, the Woods video has exploded online with golf fans speculating about the iconic figure’s future in the sport.
Mickelson made history at this year’s PGA Championship becoming the oldest major winner ever at 50 years, 11 months and eight days. Woods, currently 45, still has five years to continue his rehabilitation before he would be old enough for a shot at Mickelson’s record.
Mickelson’s sister, Tina Mickelson, showed support on Twitter for Woods’ contesting her brother’s honour, replying to his post “he’s got a number of years before he can even think about that “oldest” record.”
Fellow American golfer, Bryson DeChambeau, also passed on pleasantries to Woods online, expressing his excitement at a potential comeback to competition for Woods.
https://twitter.com/b_dechambeau/status/1462583270613340169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“It is great to see @TigerWoods swinging a club again. Can’t wait for his comeback!” he tweeted.
Positioned as archrivals for most of their careers, Mickelson and Woods’ relationship has changed later in their careers as Ryder Cup teammates and thanks to their roles in the made-for-TV specials ‘The Match: Champions for Charity’. The second instalment saw Woods team up with retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning to compete against Mickelson and Manning’s former archrival Tom Brady in a golf match for charity.
While Woods is likely still months if not years away from a return to professional competition, Editor at Golf.com, Luke Kerr-Dineen, was stunned by the progress he’s made since the car accident, taking to Twitter to analyse Woods’ swing.
https://twitter.com/LukeKerrDineen/status/1462536034600820736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“Can’t get over how good Tiger’s footwork looks,” he tweeted. “I’d say it was unbelievable, but it’s Tiger Woods, so it somehow makes sense.”