From major championships to vacations in the Caribbean, golf pro Phil Mickelson knows how to travel in style.
Phil Mickelson is sponsored by private aviation company VistaJet. The golfer is said to be building a home on Jupiter Island.
His name will forever be etched in the history books as one of golf’s greatest. With 45 wins on the PGA Tour and six majors, Phil Mickelson still counts his first green jacket among his proudest achievements. “My first win at the Masters in 2004 was an important moment as it was the first major win of my career after a number of close calls,” he says. Also on his highlight reel are the 2013 Open Championship and, most recently, his record-breaking success at this year’s PGA Championship on Kiawah Island, S.C., when Mickelson became the oldest player to win a major. “It will certainly be one of those moments I will cherish for my entire life,” he shares. “It was particularly special to share the moment on the 18th green with my brother, Tim, who was such a big part of this victory. It’s still hard to put it all into words and took some time to fully realize what had happened. I always believed I could win another major, but as of late my results hadn’t backed that up. There is no reason why at an older age you can’t be at your best; it just takes a bit more work.”
With many impressive sponsors part of the Phil Mickelson team, private aviation company VistaJet has joined the fold, with impressive benefits both on and off the course. When not jetting off for competition play, Mickelson transitions into R&R mode, flying to locales across the globe. “I have been very fortunate in my career to have had the ability to travel across the world and play golf in front of millions of people. I always love flying and experiencing new places that I have not been to,” he says. Here, the new-to- Palm Beach golf pro reveals his all-time favorite destinations.
Beyond golfing at Yellowstone Club, Mickelson and his family enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
“Yellowstone Club is one of my favorite places on earth. I have always loved to ski, and the skiing there is second to none. In the summer, I can bring the entire family and I can play golf while they might enjoy hiking, fishing or just hanging by the pool. It is my favorite place to go, relax and get away for a while.”
New York
“One of my daughters is enrolled at Columbia University and my oldest daughter just graduated from Brown University nearby, so we have spent more and more time in the area as a family over the past few years. I really love being able to walk into a museum with my family or share some great food with them. Plus, there are some fantastic golf courses in the area like Baltusrol, Friar’s Head and many more.”
St. Kitts
“I recently went to St. Kitts for the first time and fell in love with the island. It is only a few hours’ flight from Florida and it feels like you are transported to paradise. I teamed up with Tom Fazio to design a course at Christophe Harbour on the island, which has been really fun and exciting for me.”
Hawaii
“[My wife] Amy and I were married here, and it has always been one of my favorite places. I haven’t been in a few years but look forward to going back.”
“For a golfer, Pebble Beach and the surrounding area is a must-visit. But for me, it’s even more special. My grandfather Al Santos was one of the first caddies at Pebble Beach and in 1919 was pulled out of school in the fourth grade to work and provide for the family. When I return each year for the Pro-Am PGA Tour event, I am not only reminded of his sacrifice he made to my family, but some of the special moments we shared together.”
Photography by: By Steven Cordes/Unsplash; Luke Mckeown/Unsplash; Josh Carter/Unsplash; courtesy of VistaJet;
