Philip Alfred Mickelson is an American professional golfer. He has won four major championships and a total of 40 events on the PGA Tour. He has reached a career high world ranking of 2nd in multiple years. He is nicknamed "Lefty" for his left-handed swing, even though he is otherwise right-handed. Mickelson was elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame in November 2011 and was inducted in May 2012. Mickelson was born in San Diego, California, to parents Phil Mickelson Sr. and Mary Mickelson. He was raised there and in Scottsdale, Arizona. Although right-handed otherwise, he plays golf... left-handed, as he learned by watching his right-handed father swing and mirroring it. Mickelson began golf under his father's instruction before starting school. Phil Sr.'s work schedule as a commercial pilot allowed them to play together several times a week and an extensive practice area in their San Diego backyard allowed young Phil to hone his creative short game. Mickelson graduated from the University of San Diego High School in 1988. Mickelson attended Arizona State University in Tempe on a golf scholarship and graduated in 1992.
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