+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

Charles Barkley explains why 'joy' is the difference between Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods

May 20, 2022, 00:24 IST
Insider
Phil Mickelson and Charles Barkley discuss a shot at The Match in 2020.Christian Petersen/Getty Images for The Match
  • Charles Barkley is one of a select few to be close with both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
  • According to Barkley, the difference between the two superstar golfers comes down to joy.
Advertisement

Charles Barkley knows how to have a good time.

Whether he's at the desk of "Inside the NBA" on TNT or out on the golf course, the Hall of Famer enjoys a laugh.

Barkley is also one of a select few who has a friendly relationship with both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

Speaking with Alan Shipnuck, whose new biography of Mickelson, "Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar," is now available, Barkley broke down the biggest difference between the two golf superstars.

"One of the reasons Phil has lasted so long is because he's had a joyful life," Barkley said.

Advertisement

"Tiger won a bunch of tournaments, but there wasn't much joy in it. Sure, Tiger is a better golfer. You're just in awe of his talent. But it's not fun to be around him. Everyone in his world is uptight and shit, afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Tiger himself has always acted like he's under siege. Gimme a fuckin' break—you're just a golfer, dude."

Conversely, Barkley says that Mickelson is a far better hang.

"When you're with Phil, you're guaranteed to have fun," Barkley said. "He makes people feel good. Everyone around him is always smiling. That's a huge difference, man."

While Mickelson is a fun time, there are some places Barkley still won't go with Lefty.

Asked to tell his best Mickelson story, Barkley spoke of his insistence to take him up in an airplane.

Advertisement

"Phil was always trying to talk me into flying with him," Barkley said. "No fucking way, dude. Fuck that shit. I thought his total confidence was funny. He was like, 'C'mon, man, I'm a good pilot.' No, you're a great golfer. There's a difference.

"I'm a firm believer that you only get to be good at one thing in life. You don't see any United Airlines pilots on the PGA Tour, do you? I rest my case. But Phil argued that point all day long."

Shipnuck's book, "Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar," is available now.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article