Two Masters champions, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh, are set to experience a prolonged absence from each other at the Masters tournament, marking two years since their last meeting. This hiatus comes two decades after their infamous clash in a locker room, which remains a significant moment in golf history.
Historical Locker Room Confrontation
The confrontation between Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion (2004, 2006, 2010), and Singh, who won in 2000, took place in 2005 after the second round of the Masters. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of Tiger Woods’ memorable chip-in at hole 16.
During that tournament, Singh had previously ignited controversy by requesting officials to check Woods’ driver for compliance. This time, however, Singh directed his grievance toward Mickelson, alleging his spikes were causing significant damage to the course’s greens.
The Incident on the Course
- Singh lodged a formal complaint against Mickelson at hole 12.
- Mickelson was informed about the concern, with officials suggesting that his spikes might need adjusting.
- Stuart Appleby, Mickelson’s playing partner, humorously remarked about the potential for a blacksmith to be summoned.
- Ultimately, no adjustments were made, and the matter was resolved swiftly by Augusta National’s former competition chair, Will Nicholson.
Aftermath of the Confrontation
Following the round, Mickelson voiced his dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled, expressing his feelings to reporters. He noted feeling distracted and wished the issue had been dealt with more thoroughly. After spending time in the locker room, he heard Singh discussing the incident and decided to confront him.
Reports from that day suggest that things escalated. Mickelson reportedly called Singh a derogatory name and challenged him to settle the matter outside. Surprisingly, that encounter did not escalate further.
Reflections on the Rivalry
Steve Williams, a former caddie for Woods, later acknowledged the hostility between Mickelson and Singh during an episode of “Chasing Majors.” He explained that although Mickelson’s spikes were slightly longer than typical regulations, it was a tense situation fueled by past grievances.
In the 2005 Masters, Mickelson finished in 10th place, while Singh tied for fifth, with Woods securing his fourth Green Jacket. Over the years, Mickelson’s attitude towards Singh has softened somewhat, as evidenced by his defense of Singh in 2020 regarding Singh’s participation in the Korn Ferry Tour.
Using social media, Mickelson wrote about Singh’s contributions to the PGA Tour, despite acknowledging their personal distance. He emphasized Singh’s right to compete wherever he wanted, reinforcing a sense of professional respect despite their past conflicts.
