Phil Mickelson still Corporate America’s favourite for the upcoming Masters
The good ol’ “lefty” (Phil Mickelson), might have hit 40’s now and is probably not the best bet of the bookies at this week’s Masters. Corporate America is not letting him off the hook as they still take refuge under the burly Mickelson.
Many of the high profile companies, apart from Mickelson’s official sponsors, are adamant that the 2010 Masters champion is going to do it yet again.
Mickelson has a blistering career in the sport and is arguably the most loved golfer in North America and the rest of the world.
Strictly a family man, Mickelson has clinched the coveted green jacket for no fewer than three times in his grizzled career and knows Augusta National like the back of his hand.
According to the latest survey carried out by E-Poll and Nielsen, Mickelson has higher ratings 75 of all the golfers who are likely to win the challenge, better than those of Tiger Woods 41 and Rory McIlroy 9.
Mickelson turned out to be the favourite of 52 percent out of the 1,100 people who participated, as compared to 17 percent to that of Woods.
Nielsen vice-president for sports Stephen Master said in a press release:
“It will be interesting to see if another green jacket at the Masters this year can win back the favour of the public and corporate America”.
Mickelson is coming out of a strong season with his latest victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and barely missed the chance to bag another title, The Northern Trust Open at the Playoff.
He is currently on top of his form and putting and his knowledge about the treacherous Augusta National is likely to come in handy for the sweeping long-hitter.
Mickelson is one of the few players in any sport who has earned far more from his endorsements than the actual prize money from his victories.
His gross earnings in the year 2011 (comprising salary, winnings, bonuses, endorsements and appearances) surged to a whopping $62,000,000, out of which $53,000,000 came from endorsements alone.
He is currently under agreement with corporate giants like KPMG, ExxonMobil, Rolex, Barclays, and Callaway Golf.
Out of the 48 professional victories in the course of his career, Mickelson has won 40 times on the PGA Tour and hopes to complete his 50 wins on the same before he calls it a day.
Mickelson is now 41-years-old.
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