Phil cover art

Phil

The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorised!) Biography of Golf's Most Colourful Superstar

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Phil

By: Alan Shipnuck
Narrated by: Alan Shipnuck
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About this listen

 WINNER OF THE FRANCIS CLARK FINANCIAL PLANNING INTERNATIONAL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR
LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE

'Terrific fun' David Walsh, Sunday Times * * 'Thoroughly engaging' Washington Post

A frank and revealing biography of legendary golf champion Phil Mickelson - who has led a big, controversial life - as reported by longtime Sports Illustrated writer and bestselling author Alan Shipnuck.

Phil Mickelson is one of the most compelling figures in sports. For more than three decades he has been among the best golfers in the world, and his unmatched longevity was exemplified at the 2021 PGA Championship, when Mickelson, on the cusp of turning fifty-one, became the oldest player in history to win a major championship.

In this raw and unauthorised biog­raphy, Shipnuck captures a singular life defined by thrilling victories, crushing defeats and countless controversies. Mickelson is a multi-faceted character, and all his warring impulses are on display in these pages: he is a smart-ass who built an empire on being the consummate professional; a loving husband dogged by salacious rumours; a high-stakes gambler who knows the house always wins but can’t tear himself away.

Mickelson’s career and public image have been defined by the contrast with his lifelong rival, Tiger Woods. Where Woods is robotic and reticent, Mickelson is affable and extroverted, an incorrigible showman. In their early years together on Tour, Mickelson lacked Tiger’s laser focus and discipline, yet as Tiger’s career has been curtailed by scandal, addiction and a broken body, Phil sails on, still relevant on the golf course and in the marketplace.

Phil is the perfect marriage of subject and author. Shipnuck delivers numerous revelations, from the true scale of Mickelson’s massive gambling losses to the secretive backstory of the Saudi golf league that Mickelson championed. But Phil also celebrates Mickelson’s random acts of kindness and generosity of spirit, to which friends and strangers alike can attest. Shipnuck has covered Mickelson for his entire career, allowing him to take readers inside the ropes with a thrilling immediacy and intimacy. The result is the juiciest and liveliest golf book in years - full of heart, humour and unexpected turns.©2022 Alan Shipnuck (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK Golf Sports Biography Marriage Career
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Usually unauthorised biographies Are an angry dissertation. I found this book really balanced and also absolutely fascinating. I also go so far as to say I always liked Phil milk Mikkelsen

Surprisingly good

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The book is good, and well worth a read. It feels like it’s missing that direct connection to Phil that could only come from him actually being interviewed, but alas, that didn’t happen. Also, the book was written too soon. So much has happened with LIV since this book came out and it would have given this book the ending it needed. But I still recommend it.

Missing something

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Fantastic story that you can tell has been vary well researched.

The author also does the narration, which I feel is a must in a biography.

Great read

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Loved hearing Alan read this - his voice adds some much to the story of a complex, talented one of a kind athlete. Love him or hate him, or a bit of both - the story of Mickelson is compelling and incredibly well researched.

A must buy for sports fans

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Thoroughly enjoyable, brilliantly researched. Phil's pirate roots couldn't be more appropriate. A swashbuckling yarn!

Rip roaring indeed

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I’m not one for biographies…but this is next level entertainment. Alan Shipnuck’s ability to suck you in and keep you hanging on to every word is something I haven’t experienced for a while. A must listen for anyone who has the slightest interest in golf!

Sensation Shipnuck!!!

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