By winning his 6th major at the age of 50, Phil Mickelson once again made golf history by becoming the oldest player to win a major tournament. He received the title of the Player Impact Program (PIP,) rewarding the player who had the most impact on the circuit thanks to his notoriety.

Phil Mickelson in the arms of his brother and caddy Tim, just after his victory - Via @PGATOUR

This past May, Phil Mickelson added a major sixth to his scorecard by winning the USPGA at Kiawah Island. By winning a grand slam title at age 50, the American southpaw became the oldest winner of a major. In addition to this title in major, Lefty will be able to add the title of the Player Impact Program to his prize list. He is indeed the first winner of this award created and announced in the course of 2020.

Lefty announced it on social networks without the authorities communicating the final results. Although the list of ten players is not yet known, Tiger Woods, despite his accident in February would finish second.

“I would like to thank all the crazy people (and the real supporters too) for helping me win the PIP. To get the second half of the money, I had to add a tournament that I haven't played in a while. See you in Kapalua. PS I will try to find a new subject of controversy. », Phil Mickelson.

But what is the Player Impact Program (PIP)?

It is "a program that aims to reward the players who have the greatest positive impact on our circuit," said Andy Pazder, PGA Tour Tournament and Competition Manager.
The top 10 players in the ranking of this PIP are rewarded at the end of the season and share a total fund of 40 million euros.

How is the PIP ranking calculated?

A player's score is calculated using 5 factors, each counting for 20% of the score:

  • Google searches: how often the player's name is searched
  • Meltwater Mentions: How often a player is mentioned in the media
  • MVP index: a measure of a player's presence on social networks
  • Nielsen score: how often a player is on TV
  • Q-Score: a measure determining the personalities preferred by Americans.

By Baptiste Laurensou.

Find our article on Phil Mickelson's victory at the USPGA 2021:

MICKELSON, THE LEGEND IS ALWAYS LIVING

To find the USPGA 2021 leaderboard: click here.