Phil Mickelson pulled off a gravity-defying flop shot at LIV Golf Virginia that silenced critics and reignited debate over the sport’s most divisive tour.
At a Glance
- Mickelson holed a miraculous birdie flop shot from above a bunker on LIV Virginia’s 17th hole
- The 54-year-old placed T-4, marking his third top-10 finish in the 2025 LIV Golf season
- Broadcaster David Feherty called the shot “unbelievable,” highlighting its unorthodox mechanics
- Bryson DeChambeau labeled it “one of the greatest shots” he’s ever seen
- Despite PGA Tour resistance, Mickelson’s form keeps LIV Golf in the spotlight
A Shot for the Ages
On the steep slope of the 17th hole at LIV Golf Virginia, Phil Mickelson stunned spectators and commentators alike with a lob wedge masterpiece that defied physics and logic. Standing in a bunker, feet buried in sand and the ball well above him, Mickelson aimed far left and swung with full intent—producing a curling flop shot that spun precisely into the cup for birdie.
This one-shot symphony wasn’t just impressive; it ignited memories of a younger Mickelson who turned impossible lies into unforgettable highlights. At 54, he delivered not just artistry but a challenge to the notion that LIV Golf lacks magic. With this shot, Mickelson elevated LIV’s legitimacy far beyond contractual controversy and backroom politics.
Watch a report: Phil Mickelson’s Unreal Flop Shot at LIV.
Reaction and Resonance
The golf world reacted with collective disbelief. David Feherty, normally a fountain of wit, could only exclaim, “That is unbelievable.” Even Bryson DeChambeau, LIV’s resident science geek, appeared genuinely awestruck, calling it “one of the greatest shots” he’s ever witnessed.
While Joaquin Niemann claimed the tournament win, Mickelson’s moment became the story of the week. His T-4 finish—at 13-under—was his third top-10 of the season, adding to podiums in Miami and Hong Kong. Currently ranked 11th in the LIV standings despite missing one event, Mickelson is proving he’s no ceremonial participant. He’s competing, contending, and captivating.
Momentum into the U.S. Open
Mickelson’s Virginia heroics arrive at a pivotal moment: his final U.S. Open exemption is nearing expiration, and he remains one win away from golf’s elusive career Grand Slam. Six times a runner-up, the U.S. Open remains Phil’s white whale, the one title that has always slipped from his grasp.
As tradition and disruption continue to war across golf’s fairways, Mickelson stands as the sport’s enduring enigma. Loved or loathed, PGA or LIV, it’s shots like the one in Virginia that remind us why we watch golf in the first place—not for politics, but for the possibility of awe.
