'Absolute madness': Insane scenes after 'iconic' Phil Mickelson triumph
The sporting world has watched on in disbelief as Phil Mickelson's historic triumph at the 103rd US PGA Championship sparked some of the wildest ever scenes on a golf course.
Mickelson defied the odds to become the oldest major champion ever after holding off Brooks Koepka in a dramatic finish at the 103rd US PGA Championship.
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The 50-year-old started the final hole with a swarm of fans watching his every move.
After his drive off the tee, fans chased the eventual champion down the fairway creating a cacophony of noise before the 50-year-old lined up his winning put.
Mickelson sunk his put, which sparked moments that were likened to the movie 'Happy Gilmore' as the champion was swarmed by thousands of adoring fans.
Social media couldn't get enough of the remarkable scenes, which have become foreign viewing in sport during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Phil Mickelson, what a legend. There has always been a "man of people" vibe that no other pro golfer can match.
If golf gods exist, he will win a U.S. Open and complete the career Grand Slam. Don't shut that door! #PGAChamp https://t.co/5HPUFTSJyp— Jeff D Miami Vice (@JeffDLowe) May 23, 2021
Phil Mickelson is in there somewhere... pic.twitter.com/EWqvZEWafl
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 23, 2021
What an incredible scene! Phil Mickelson had to be ushered through a throng of fans on the 18th fairway to finish off his PGA Championship victory. Phil played remarkably well given all the pressure of trying to become golf’s oldest major winner. Congrats Lefty! https://t.co/qxndeTeToA
— Mark Schanowski (@MarkSchanowski) May 23, 2021
Absolute madness!! What a scene!! Great day to be a lefty!! @PhilMickelson
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) May 23, 2021
What a scene at 18 at the PGA Championship for Phil Mickelson pic.twitter.com/dU3jv3NaWv
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) May 23, 2021
That really was special stuff wasn’t it. An incredible win. History made. Crowds there to see it. All the feels. Congrats @PhilMickelson! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hmHrQnQ6dn
— Sam Harrop (@sam_golf) May 23, 2021
Sports have the best storylines! This win is an all timer.. @PhilMickelson is the man, and I think Covid is dead orrrrr? 🤷🏻♂️ #PGAChamp #OpenUp🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/sLS8BM8f9u
— Ben Hebert (@BennyHeebz) May 23, 2021
This scene was wild! World is coming back… ⛳️ #philmickelson oldest major winner at 50#PGAChampionship https://t.co/uFaPY3sTFb
— Susan Li (@SusanLiTV) May 23, 2021
Insane! Lefty. Incredible. Congrats @PhilMickelson pic.twitter.com/nRWcUfXzcs
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) May 23, 2021
That was like Happy Gilmore x 💯. Way to go @PhilMickelson as all us “young dudes” were rooting for you!!!! #Lefty #PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/g1I7uqLpEA
— Lance Thomasson (@ThisOneIs4Tusk) May 23, 2021
This is just awesome! Twilight of his career? Hardly. Phil at 50!! #PGAChampionship #philmickelson pic.twitter.com/6oYGArej7W
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) May 23, 2021
What an iconic scene on 18 with the crowd surrounding Phil Mickelson, as he becomes the oldest major champion of all-time at 50 years old. That’s what it’s all about!
— Tyler Jones (@TylerJonesLive) May 23, 2021
That was a little frightening. They needed better crowd control.
— Dawn Robinette (@dawngator5220) May 23, 2021
The last hole was so wild, Koepka needed security to get through the bustling crowd to finish his round.
Phil Mickelson creates major history
The 50-year-old started Sunday with a one-shot lead at Kiawah Island's windswept Ocean Course and despite three bogeys in his opening seven holes, before he produced three stunning birdies to offset them.
But Mickelson held off a nervy Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen to raise his hands in triumph and claim his sixth major championship.
Mickelson, who last won the PGA Championship in 2005, surpassed Julius Boros as the oldest major winner after he claimed his sixth major.
Boros won the 1968 PGA Championship at age 48.
Mickelson finished with a final round of 73.
Koepka has won two of the past three PGA Championships, failed to chase history of his own as he vies to be just the sixth player with three or more Wanamaker trophies, joining Walter Hagen (5), Jack Nicklaus (5), Tiger Woods (4), Gene Sarazen (3) and Sam Snead (3).
Mickelson is a six-time major winner after three Masters win (2004, 2006 and 2010), the PGA Championship in 2005 and the Open Championship in 2013.
with AAP
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