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How to Play Golf Like Phil Mickelson

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Phil Mickelson is regarded as one of Tiger Woods's greatest rivals, and for good reason. Mickeslon has achieved a number two ranking in the world on a few occasions, and the two-time Masters champion has one of the best short games in his sport. If you want to have a game like "Lefty's," you'll need to master a few of his key golfing techniques.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Switch your stance. Mickelson's nickname is "Lefty" because he golfs left-handed, even though he is a natural righthander. This puts his dominant side at the front of his stance, giving him more power and control.

  2. Step 2

    Master the short game. Mickelson keeps four wedges in his bag, because he knows that most golf shots are within 100 yards of the hole. Spend half of your practice time on approach, chip, wedge and sand shots.

  3. Step 3

    Learn to putt. Mickelson employs former physicist and current golf tutor Dave Pelz when his putting needs fine-tuning. Known for teaching golfers about speed and reading the break, Pelz often does little or nothing with a player's swing. To putt like Mickelson, aim past the hole and read the break of the putt a little harder than usual.

  4. Step 4

    Learn to master the "Phil Flop." Utilize this shot when your ball is on a downward slope with an obstacle, such as a sand trap or water hazard, between you and the green. Pick a wedge with the highest loft and approach the ball so that your back is to the pin. Take a full swing and try to scoop the ball. Make sure you complete a full follow-through. If you did it right, the ball should fly backwards over your head and land safely on the green.

  5. Step 5

    Win the big one. For many years, people regarded Mickelson as the best player never to win a Major. That all changed in 2004 when he took 1st place at the Masters Invitational. Since then, he has won the Masters once more and a PGA Championship. By winning at the highest level, he was able to shed his image as a choker and create a new one as Tiger's biggest rival.

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