TROON, Scotland — In a surprising turn of events at the 152nd British Open Golf Championship, Phil Mickelson, the 54-year-old golfing legend, found himself donning a pair of trendy golf joggers that are typically favored by younger players. This unexpected fashion choice was not a matter of personal style but rather a consequence of a bet he lost to popular YouTube golfer Grant Horvat.
Mickelson took to social media to share a photo of himself in the athleisure wear, humorously reflecting on his new look. “As an unfashionable 54-year-old, I never thought I could pull off wearing joggers. Guess I was wrong. Thank you @GrantHorvatGolf, we both won,” he wrote, accompanied by a shrug emoji.
The wager between Mickelson and Horvat was quite the spectacle. The stakes were high, with the six-time major champion agreeing to wear joggers to the prestigious Open Championship if he lost. In this friendly competition, Mickelson had to give Horvat a five-stroke advantage. Unfortunately for Mickelson, the match did not go in his favor, and he ended up fulfilling his end of the deal in front of a global audience.
The match, which was featured on both golfers’ social media platforms, has garnered significant attention, with the video racking up 1.8 million views across the two channels. Phil Mickelson, who began his YouTube journey in 2022 with his channel “Phil Mickelson and the HyFlyers,” has attracted 71,000 subscribers. In contrast, Grant Horvat, a well-known figure in the YouTube golf community, boasts an impressive 724,000 subscribers on his decade-old channel.
This lighthearted bet has not only showcased Mickelson’s willingness to engage with fans and embrace a playful side of competition but also highlighted the growing intersection between traditional sports and social media influencers. As golf continues to evolve, the presence of personalities like Horvat is reshaping how fans interact with the sport.
Phil Mickelson is no stranger to the spotlight in golf. He made history as the 2013 Open Champion and has had memorable moments at Royal Troon, including a nail-biting runner-up finish to Henrik Stenson in 2016. That particular championship is often remembered for its thrilling duel, where Mickelson shot an impressive 65 but fell short to Stenson’s remarkable 63, finishing 11 strokes ahead of the third-place competitor.
As the tournament unfolds, Mickelson’s joggers have certainly made headlines, proving that even the most seasoned professionals can embrace a bit of fun and fashion, regardless of age. The golfing world watches closely as Mickelson continues to navigate both the course and the evolving landscape of golf culture.
With the Open Championship in full swing, fans are eager to see how Mickelson performs while sporting his new attire and whether he will make the joggers a part of his regular golfing wardrobe. This blend of traditional sport and modern style is sure to resonate with fans, both young and old, as they rally behind one of golf’s most beloved figures.
