Published 02/04/2023, 3:31 AM EST
Though they may barely be even considered dark horses currently, there once was a time when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were the favorites to win every golf tournament. The legendary rivalry has given the sport of golf many astonishing records to remember for years. However when it comes to missing the cut in the PGA Tour, who among the Hall of Famers holds the advantage over the other?
Woods and Mickelson had one of the most fierce rivalries in the world of sports. Before their newfound friendship in 2018, both legends shared bitter words for each other publicly and even came face to face frequently in the final rounds of Majors.
Though Tiger may have the advantage over Phil when it comes to having more number of wins in the sport, which golfer has missed the cuts more than his arch-rival?
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Who’s missed more cuts in the PGA Tour? Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson?
Mickelson may currently be a part of LIV Golf, where missing the cut doesn’t even exist, he’s competed in the PGA Tour for more than three decades. Lefty turned pro back in 1992 but made his American Tour debut in 1988. Since then he has been on a journey of one of the greatest left-handed golfers with 45 wins which also include his six Major triumphs.
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 23: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson look on prior to The Match: Tiger vs Phil at Shadow Creek Golf Course on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for The Match)
But with many wins also come struggles on the golf course. From 1998 to 2022, Mickelson missed the cut 121 times, while making the cut 533 times. Nonetheless, when it comes to his longtime frenemy, there is hardly even a conversation of comparison. Like many other stats in the world of golf, Tiger Woods stands out from Phil Mickelson.
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The 15-time Major winner has missed the cut only 30 times in his 31-year-long golf career. Woods has been competing in the PGA Tour events since 1992, four years before turning pro. Tiger has made the cut 336 times, 197 times lesser than his fellow Hall of Famer. Though the enormous difference may stun many golf stans, Mickelson has competed in 658 professional tournaments.
AKRON, OH – AUGUST 01: Phil Mickelson (L) and Tiger Woods meet during a preview day of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course at on August 1, 2018 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Woods has participated in a total of 371 professional events, which is comparatively much lesser than his arch-rival. Nonetheless, now with Phil’s move to the LIV Golf, he doesn’t have to worry about making or missing the cut anymore. Both Hall of Famers only compete in selective Majors where there is a possibility of change in the stats in the future.
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Regardless, of missing or making the cut, the contribution of the rivalry for the popularisation of golf has been immense. With 21 Majors combined among Woods and Mickelson, both legends will be remembered for many decades to come. Whose is your personal favorite among the two? Let us know in the comments section below.
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