Phil Mickelson, the golfing legend known for his flair and creativity, once again captured the spotlight at the 2025 LIV Golf Virginia event, held from June 6 to 8 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. The 54-year-old, six-time major champion delivered a performance that reminded fans why he remains one of the most captivating figures in golf. While he didn’t claim the title, finishing tied for fourth at 13-under par, Mickelson’s highlight-reel moment came on the par-4 17th hole during the final round, a shot so audacious it left spectators, fellow players, and even Mickelson himself in awe. After the tournament, he shared an intriguing detail about the shot, shedding light on the preparation and mindset that fueled his magic.

The moment in question occurred on Sunday, June 8, during a weather-delayed final round. Mickelson found himself in a precarious position on the 17th hole, with his ball nestled in the rough just outside a greenside bunker, his feet awkwardly planted in the sand, and his back to the flag. For most golfers, this would have been a moment to play it safe, but Mickelson, nicknamed “Lefty” for his left-handed swing, has built a career on defying convention. With a high-lofted wedge in hand, he executed a jaw-dropping chip shot, hooking the ball over his shoulder and landing it softly on the green, where it spun back into the hole for a birdie. The crowd erupted, and social media buzzed with reactions, with fans calling it “one of the craziest shots” they had ever seen. One X post described it as “vintage Phil magic,” while another fan simply called it “greatness.”

What made this shot even more remarkable was Mickelson’s revelation after the round. In a quote-tweet responding to a video of the shot posted by LIV Golf, Mickelson explained that it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment gamble but a carefully practiced maneuver. “I’ve worked on that shot before,” he wrote, hinting at the hours of preparation that went into mastering such an improbable play. This insight underscores Mickelson’s reputation as a short-game wizard, a skill honed over decades since his college days at Arizona State University, where he won three NCAA eventually Championships. His ability to visualize and execute creative shots under pressure has long set him apart, and this moment at LIV Golf Virginia was a testament to his enduring artistry.

Mickelson’s performance at LIV Golf Virginia also served as a crucial tune-up for the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he aims to complete the career Grand Slam, a feat only six other golfers have achieved. Having finished second at the U.S. Open six times, the event represents the one major that has eluded him. Mickelson noted that the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club’s fast greens and demanding setup mirrored the conditions he’ll face at Oakmont, making Virginia an ideal preparation ground. “Short game, touch, chipping around the greens, rough, speed, lag drills—all of that’s critical here, same as next week,” he said. His optimism was palpable, even as he acknowledged the long odds of winning at 55, especially given his recent struggles in majors, with nine missed cuts in his last 13 appearances.

Beyond the shot itself, Mickelson’s performance at LIV Golf Virginia highlighted his continued relevance in a sport he helped reshape by joining LIV Golf in 2022. As captain of the HyFlyers GC team, alongside Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale, and Andy Ogletree, he has embraced the league’s team format and its mission to grow the game globally. Despite controversies surrounding his move to LIV, including criticism over his comments about the Saudi-backed league’s funding, Mickelson remains unapologetic. In a 2024 Fairway to Heaven podcast, he expressed pride in LIV’s kid-friendly atmosphere and its potential to attract younger audiences, a legacy he hopes to leave behind.

The shot on 17 wasn’t just a moment of brilliance; it was a reminder of Mickelson’s enduring charisma and skill. As he prepares for what may be his final U.S. Open, the golfing world watches with bated breath, wondering if Lefty can conjure one last miracle to complete his Grand Slam quest. For now, the memory of that impossible chip-in at LIV Golf Virginia will linger, a testament to a golfer who still plays with the heart of a young dreamer.