A day after defending Honda Classic champion Padraig Harrington singled out Phil Mickelson as the best ‘hustler’ on Tour, Mickelson responded, and to much laughter, by remaking:  “Certainly, my pockets carry a lot of Padraig’s money”.

Harrington had mentioned during his pre-tournament press conference yesterday (TUES) that the one aspect missing in golf nowadays is players being able to ‘hustle’.

The three-time Major winning Irishman singled out American Daniel Berger, who he had beaten in a play-off a year ago, as showing he can hustle with the best of them.

Padraig Harrington’s and Phil Mickelson’s friendship goes back further than the 2008 Ryder Cup. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

It then prompted a question to Harrington – ‘Who is the best hustler on Tour’ – and the Dubliner singled out Mickelson.

I asked Mickelson after his Pro-Am round this morning what he thought of Harrington’s observation given the pair of Open Champions, and their respective caddies, are often out competing against each other, and as was the scenario during the week of the 2014 Scottish Open when the four could not wait to get to Trump Scotland for a foursomes showdown.

“Padraig and I, was have had some fun matches, especially with his caddie, Ronan, and my caddy Bones, and we’ve had a good few two on two matches over the years,” said Mickelson.

“Those are what makes the game of golf so special.

“I get excited to go play those matches, even though they’re not a Tour event.  They are such a great part of the game.  We all love it.  We all enjoy it.  And whether it is playing with your family or your kids or your parents.

“And even if it’s being alone challenging yourself, or anything make your buddies and having a little game and taking smack. it’s such a great part of the game.”