The Swing Set

It’s rarely considered newsworthy when a 40-something pro athlete flirts with retirement (especially if he doesn’t send lewd text messages to a reporter first). So we have to tip our hat to Phil Mickelson. The 42-year-old ASU grad generated plenty of controversy earlier this month when he suggested that he...

By Ed Kummerer

January 31, 2013

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It’s rarely considered newsworthy when a 40-something pro athlete flirts with retirement (especially if he doesn’t send lewd text messages to a reporter first). So we have to tip our hat to Phil Mickelson. The 42-year-old ASU grad generated plenty of controversy earlier this month when he suggested that he might retire in response to increases in California and Federal tax rates. The statement was so unpopular that even Forbes threw shade on Mickelson for being ungrateful for his good fortune.

With all the negativity surrounding Mickelson, it’s probably safe to say he’s looking forward to getting back on the links for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The event will feature eight previous tournament champions, so whoever wins will have a lot to be proud of -- even if that winner only gets to keep 40 percent of his winnings.

Jan. 28-30; Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 7:30 a.m.; Feb. 2-3, 9 a.m.; Mon., Feb. 4, 7 a.m., 2013

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