kultida woods
Tiger Woods' mother, Kultida Woods.
Wilfredo Lee/AP Images
  • Tiger Woods’ mom Kultida used to call Phil Mickelson “hefty” instead of “lefty,” as revealed in HBO’s documentary, “Tiger.”
  • Kultida took the rivalry between her son and Mickelson personally and often used to make jokes about Mickelson’s weight.
  • While Woods apparently used to have “disdain” for Mickelson, their rivalry has turned into something of a bromance in recent years.
  • Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

At the peak of Tiger Woods’ rivalry with Phil Mickelson, Woods’ mother Kultida apparently gave Mickleson a new nickname.

The Los Angeles Times’ Thomas Bonk reveals in HBO’s documentary “Tiger” that Kultida used to call Mickelson “hefty” instead of lefty.”

Golf Magazine’s Alan Shipnuck says in the documentary that to Kultida, the rivalry was “personal.”

“‘Tida loved to make fun of Mickelson’s body,” Shipnuck said.

According to Shipnuck, Woods used to look at Mickelson in “disdain.” While Mickelson was as talented as Woods, he didn’t work as hard.

"Tiger knew that Phil was the most naturally gifted player ever to hold a golf club," Shipnuck said. "But Tiger looked at him with disdain. He couldn't fathom having that much ability but not putting in the time to be great."

phil mickelson 2005
Phil Mickelson in 2005.
Laurent Rebours/AP Images

Shipnuck added: "Phil had about 20 extra pounds, and Tiger was looking more and more like Mr. Universe."

The rivalry came to a head at the 2001 Masters when Woods and Mickelson battled on the final day at Augusta National, with Woods eventually beating Mickelson.

While the rivalry went strong for years, it has since turned into something of a bromance.

Neither player is at their peak any more, and they have teamed up to play two head-to-head competitions for charity, the latest with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

They've also played practice rounds at The Masters together and engaged in light-hearted trash talk.

After Woods' win at the 2019 Masters, Mickelson even left Woods a note on a cocktail napkin.

"Tiger, so impressive!" the note read. "What a great tournament you played! So happy for you!"

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