‘Is it his time? Yes!’ – LIV Golf rebel Phil Mickelson provided one of The Masters’ greatest moments 20 years ago today

“Is it his time?” Yes! Finally!’

As broadcast great Jim Nantz delivered another iconic Masters call, Phil Mickelson jumped for joy as he finally realized his dream at Augusta 20 years ago today.

The Masters has had a number of famous moments over the decades and the best have been accompanied by legendary commentary.

And Mickelson’s trophy-winning birdie on the 18th hole in 2004 is among the most epic.

Phil went into that year’s tournament with a point to prove.

He had already won 22 times on the PGA Tour and had 17 top-ten finishes in majors.

“Lefty” had to settle for third place at the Masters three years in a row between 2001 and 2003 and also finished second at the PGA Championship and the US Open during those years.

Was he really good enough to win a major tournament? A question that was asked many times during the first decade of his career but which would soon answer all his criticisms.

As his great rival Tiger Woods strived for an opening score of 75 to begin the 68th edition of the Masters, many felt that this could finally be Mickelson’s year, his moment to climb the upper echelons of golf. ‘elite.

He had an impressive week, posting back-to-back 69s on Friday and Saturday to advance to the final round with Chris DiMarco.

Mickelson had one shot on the second hole Sunday before disaster struck and he lost three of his next four, seriously denting his chances.

His head blurred, he would have waited five more holes to fight back and in the meantime, Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer had moved up the leaderboard.

Memories of previous gaps and all those questions from the media would surely have jolted through his brain as he headed towards the small but intimidating 12th Cloche d’Or.

After seeing DiMarco push his tee short left, Mickelson fired his 9-iron and landed it just eight feet left of the flag as the grandstand behind erupted.

He duly drained the birdie putt and that opened the floodgates.

He hit further shots at 13, 14 and 16 and found himself tied for the lead with Els as he reached the 18th green in two.

With 15 feet to go and knowing only a birdie would seal the deal, Mickelson picked up his putter again, hit it down the hill and it grabbed the left edge before falling.

He leapt into the air to celebrate after finally winning the event every golfer dreams of before hugging caddy Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay and then his wife Amy.

The image of his jubilant jump became so iconic that Mickelson himself used it as his own brand logo to immortalize the victory.

And it was one of the most popular victories in Masters history, putting Mickelson on track to become a force at the top of the game.

He now has 57 career victories, including six major titles.

Of course, these days Mickelson is on the controversial LIV Separatist Tour and has somewhat damaged his relationship with his previously adoring fans.

He will return to Augusta this week after winning a brilliant T2 last spring and hopes to turn back the clock once again.

And even if a lot has changed over the last 20 years for the old “Lefty”, “his era” will forever be engraved in the annals of this great championship.

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