Phil Mickelson found himself being greeted by a green jacket wearing coyote at tonight’s (Sat) San Antonio Spurs NBA encounter against the New Orleans Pelicans.
A crowd of 18,500 packed into the AT & T Centre in downtown San Antonio to witness the Spurs easily account for the Pelicans 96 – 80 and in what was a record-setting 17th straight victory for the franchise.
Mickelson was accompanied by his 12-year old daughter, Sophia who the five-time Major Champion had promised he would take to the game, and this despite withdrawing midway through the third round with a strained oblique muscle in his back.
The Spurs mascot coyote stand behind Phil Mickelson pointing him out to the crowd.
He only managed to play 10 holes and then after the discomfort of hitting a drive at his 11th hole he advised playing partners John Merrick and Stuart Appleby he was not fit enough to continue.
Appleby later indicated Mickelson’s back could be more serious than indicated in a statement his management company released shortly after his withdrawal.
Mickelson is introduced to the Spurs fans with the San Antonio well up in their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Phil had hit a few poor shots but it was the first hole of our back nine when I really noticed there was something wrong, as he just didn’t look right,” said Appleby.
“Then he sort of feathered one down the next and that was it.
“He then came over to John (Merrick) and myself and said: “Look guys. I think something’s going on in my back and I’m out of here.
“He had been saying his back was fine but then we’re all getting to that age when these things start happening in our bodies.”
But while Mickelson later issued a statement indicating he was returning to San Diego to have a doctor look at his back he was easily recognizable in the very front row of the NBA stadium.
The Spurs coyote mascot holding a ‘Noise’ sign.
It was late in the game, and with the Spurs well in front 61 points to 42, when the crowd announcer singled out Mickelson to an appreciative audience.
And to Mickelson’s surprise the Spurs coyote mascot came up to the three-time Masters champion wearing a green jacket and carrying a sign saying ‘Noise’ that is the complete opposite to the signs Mickelson and his colleagues are so used to seeing at golf tournaments around the world.
Mickelson warmly acknowledged the crowd and then later in the evening the coyote. who has been the Spurs mascot since 1983, presented Sophia with a Spurs t-shirt.
Mickelson returned to the TPC San Antonio on-course JW Marriott hotel and from he is expected to leave for San Diego in the morning.
It is uncertain whether the current World No.5 will contest this week’s Shell Houston Open.
He was due to play two practice rounds at Augusta National on Monday and Tuesday but they may now be cancelled pending the advice of Mickelson’s San Diego doctor.
