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Plenty of athletes subscribe to superstitions they believe will give them an edge while they’re competing, and based on what Kevin Kisner had to say about his experience with Phil Mickelson, Lefty puts more stake in astrology than you might think.
It’s been a couple of years since Phil Mickelson became one of the most divisive figures in the world of golf after becoming the first big name to join forces with LIV. That move may have tarnished his legacy a bit, but it would be foolish to diminish the career of a man who’s won six majors and racked up 45 victories on the PGA Tour before defecting.
The most obvious key to Mickelson’s sustained success is his commitment to the sport he’s dedicated his life to, but based on a tale Kevin Kisner recently shared during an appearance on The Smylie Show, he may also be able to credit a pseudoscience you probably associate with people who believe in the healing powers of crystals.
The story in question transpired at the Presidents Cup in 2017, which was held at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. Steve Stricker was the captain of the team representing the United States, but he was willing to defer some of the decision-making to Mickelson, who apparently had an astrologer (who Kisner erroneously referred to as an “astronomer”) on retainer at the time.
One of my favorite golf stories I have ever heard from @K_Kisner this week playing the @presidentscup with @philmickelson. My future golf partner will now have to fill out an astrology form! 🔭🌌🪐💫
Listen/watch entire conversation @thesmylieshow click links👇
🍏:… pic.twitter.com/QBmbc23SKb
— Smylie Kaufman (@SmylieKaufman10) January 10, 2024
Here’s what Lefty’s playing partner had to say about what transpired:
“On Wednesday, Strick’s like, ‘Hey, Kis. We’re switching up the pods today and you’re going to go with Phil’…
He’s like, ‘Well, Phil has an [astrologer] that graded all the two teams and you got the highest grade and so he’s basically just told us that he wasn’t playing with anyone but you.’ So I was like, ‘Oh s—, that’s the weirdest s— I’ve ever heard in my life.
So I go talk to Phil. I’m like, ‘What’s up with this [astrologer]?’ He goes ‘Not only that, Kis — every time I hit a shot, I need you to face me with your belly, because all your energy comes from your belly and I can pool your energy before every shot.’”
While Kisner may have been skeptical, he said they only missed a single fairway between the two of them when everything was said and done while coasting to a victory over Jason Day and Marc Leishman.
It’s only crazy if it doesn’t work.