By winning Sunday, almost 48 years old, the world championships in Mexico, Phil Mickelson proves that the legend is still alive. The American left-hander is breaking all longevity records at the highest level.

Phil Mickelson - Photo: DR

A bit like Roger Federer who, on February 16, became the oldest world No. 1 in tennis history at 36 years and 6 months (smashing the record of Agassi, world No. 1 at 33 years and 4 months in 2003), Phil Mickelson marks the little white ball with his imprint. At the end of a breathtaking final, Sunday in Mexico City, “Lefty” beat in the play-off the young terror of the moment, Justin Thomas (24). Which could have been his son ...

San Diego native wins 43e success on the PGA Tour in an event which brought together the 60 best players in the world and of which he was… the oldest. Mickelson thus puts an end to a shortage of four and a half years without a win, since his incredible Scottish and British Open double in July 2013. In great form since the start of the season since he remained on three consecutive top 6 in the tournament, the three-time Masters winner now surpasses the legendary Jack Nicklaus in terms of longevity at the highest level.

27 years between his first and his last victory

The last victory of the "Golden Bear", 18 Grand Slam titles, took place 24 years after its first success (1963-1986). The record, in the modern era of golf, is now held by Mickelson since 27 years have passed between his first and his last title (1991-2018). Series in progress!

But "Lefty", currently 18e in the world rankings, also holds two other incredible records. He won at least one tournament in the year during 22 seasons and is again ahead in this prestigious ranking Jack Nicklaus (20 seasons with at least one victory) and the late Severiano Ballesteros (19 seasons with at least one victory).

25 years in the world top 50, current series

Even stronger, the record holder of Ryder Cup selections (11 and probably soon 12, at the end of September at the national golf course) has never left the world top 50 for now… 25 years, a series still in progress! By comparison, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els stayed 18 years at this level. And the best Frenchman, Alexander Levy, is at 61e world rank…

This unique longevity, the American undoubtedly owes it to his talent and to a particularly delicate technique, like Federer in tennis. But like the Swiss, his secret also lies in his love of the game and an extraordinary mind. The night of Mickelson's victory at the British Open in 2013, his loyal caddy for a quarter of a century, Jim McKay, confided: “Phil, even when he's in his XNUMXs, he'll warm up on Augusta's putting green thinking he's got his chances. He's like that. "

Frank Crudo

CONSECUTIVE YEARS IN THE WORLD TOP 50 *

1 / MICKELSON Phil: 25 years old (1993-2018), current series
2 / FURYK Jim: 20 years old (1996-2016)
3 / WOODS Tiger: 18 years old (1996-2014)
3 / ELS Ernie: 18 years old (1992-2010)
5 / SINGH Vijay: 17 years old (1992-2009)
6 / PRICE Nick: 16 years old (1987-2003)
6 / LOVE III Davis: 16 years old (1990-2006)
6 / SCOTT Adam: 16 years old (2001-2017)
9 / OLAZABAL José-Maria: 15 years old (1987-2002)
10 / COUPLES Fred: 14 years old (1986-2000)
10 / NORMAN Greg: 14 years old (1986-2000)
* Classification at the end of each season. The world ranking was introduced in 1986.

CAPACITY TO WIN EACH SEASON AMONG LEGENDS *

1 / MICKELSON Phil: 22 seasons with at least one victory (1991-2018). Still active
2 / NICKLAUS Jack: 20 seasons with at least one victory (1962-1986)
3 / BALLESTEROS Severiano: 19 seasons with at least one victory (1976-1995, most trophies on the European circuit)
4 / PALMER Arnold: 18 seasons with at least one victory (1955-1973)
5 / FALDO Nick: 16 seasons with at least one victory (1977-1997, most trophies on the European circuit)
6 / WOODS Tiger: 16 seasons with at least one victory (1996-2013). Still active
7 / PLAYER Gary: 15 seasons with at least one victory (1958-1980)
8 / TREVINO Lee: 15 seasons with at least one victory (1968-1985)
9 / WATSON Tom: 13 seasons with at least one victory (1972-1998)
* Players who have won at least 5 Majors in the modern era.

LAPS OF TIME BETWEEN THE FIRST AND THE LAST VICTORY AMONG THE LEGENDS *

1 / MICKELSON Phil: 27 years old (1991-2018), but still active
2 / NICKLAUS Jack: 24 years old (1962-1986)
2 / WATSON Tom: 24 years old (1974-1998)
4 / PLAYER Gary: 20 years old (1958-1978)
5 / BALLESTEROS Severiano: 19 years old (1976-1995, most on the European circuit)
5 / FALDO Nick: 19 years old (1977-1996, most of them on the European circuit)
7 / PALMER Arnold: 18 years old (1955-1973)
8 / WOODS Tiger: 17 years old (1996-2013), but still active
9 / TREVINO Lee: 16 years old (1968-1984)
* Players who have won at least 5 Majors in the modern era.