Phil Mickelson Wears Joggers at Royal Troon After Losing Bet to Grant Horvat

Phil Mickelson, the legendary golfer known affectionately as “Lefty,” recently found himself at the center of a light-hearted fashion faux pas after losing a friendly bet to YouTube golf influencer Grant Horvat. The stakes of their wager were simple yet amusing: if Mickelson lost, he had to wear joggers to a practice round at the prestigious Open Championship. The outcome? A sight that had fans and fellow golfers alike chuckling in good-natured amusement.

The challenge arose during an 18-hole stroke-play match between Phil Mickelson and Grant Horvat, each showcasing their skills across their respective YouTube channels. The front nine holes were featured on Horvat’s channel, while the back nine were highlighted on Mickelson’s.

The bet added an extra layer of excitement to their game, with Phil Mickelson initially taking the lead. However, Horvat’s impressive performance on the back nine, including a birdie on the 18th hole, secured his victory and sealed Mickelson’s fate to don joggers at Royal Troon.

Phil Mickelson vs. Grant Horvat

In the days leading up to the Open Championship, the anticipation among fans grew as they awaited the sight of Phil Mickelson in joggers. True to his word, Mickelson appeared on the course in a pair of sleek, dark gray joggers, paired with a black shirt and Nike sneakers, showcasing a look that was both stylish and unexpected. Despite his initial reservations about the unconventional attire, Mickelson embraced the moment with humor and grace.

“As an unfashionable 54-year-old, I never thought I could pull off wearing joggers,” Mickelson shared on Twitter, acknowledging the light-hearted nature of the bet. “Guess I was wrong. Thank you @GrantHorvatGolf; we both won.”

As an unfashionable 54 year old, I never thought I could pull off wearing joggers. Guess I was wrong 🤷‍♂️
Thank you @GrantHorvatGolf we both won 😂😂#forwellness #hyflyers #primo pic.twitter.com/qTiQHP0qC4

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) July 17, 2024

His tweet, accompanied by a photo of him in the joggers, quickly went viral, garnering reactions from fans and fellow golfers who appreciated Mickelson’s willingness to embrace the playful side of the sport.

During the practice round, Phil Mickelson’s attire became a focal point of conversation, with many noting how the joggers complemented his overall look. The slimming fit and modern style added a touch of youthful exuberance to the seasoned golfer’s appearance, proving that even at 54, Mickelson could still surprise and delight his audience.

Phil Mickelson’s decision to honor the bet showcased not only his sense of humor but also his sportsmanship. Despite being a six-time major champion and one of the most recognized figures in golf, Mickelson demonstrated that he could still engage in playful banter and embrace the fun aspects of the game. The light-hearted wager with Horvat highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between professional golfers and influencers, bridging the gap between traditional and modern forms of the sport.

The sight of Mickelson in joggers also served as a reminder of his ongoing connection to fans and his ability to remain relevant in the ever-evolving world of golf. By participating in such a public and humorous bet, Mickelson reinforced his status as a beloved figure who can connect with audiences of all ages. His willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and try something new, even at the cost of a little self-deprecating humor, endeared him to fans even more.

As for Grant Horvat, the YouTube golf influencer could revel in the success of his playful bet. Horvat, known for his engaging content and entertaining challenges, further solidified his place in the golf community through his collaboration with Phil Mickelson. The match and its humorous aftermath provided fans with memorable content, reinforcing the appeal of blending traditional golf with the dynamic world of online influencers.

In the end, Phil Mickelson’s jogger-wearing debut at Royal Troon was more than just a funny consequence of a lost bet. It was a testament to his enduring charm, sportsmanship, and ability to connect with fans in unique and unexpected ways. As Mickelson himself put it, “We both won,” and indeed, the entire golf community shared in the joy and laughter of this memorable moment.