Two Masters champions, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh, avoided each other at the tournament for two years following a tense locker room confrontation two decades ago. Mickelson, winner in 2004, 2006, and 2010, skipped this year’s event, while Singh, the 2000 champion, withdrew last year.
The Spike Controversy Unfolds
During the 2005 Masters, known for Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in on hole 16, tensions boiled over after the second round. Singh, fresh off earlier controversy demanding an inspection of Woods’ driver at Bay Hill, targeted Mickelson’s spikes. He claimed they caused significant damage to the greens.
At hole 12, Singh alerted an official about Mickelson’s group ahead. The 54-year-old Mickelson had recently switched to 8mm spikes from 6mm. Officials informed him of the complaint and warned that his spikes might need filing if problematic.
Mickelson’s playing partner, Stuart Appleby, quipped, “What are they going to send? A blacksmith?” No filing proved necessary. Former Augusta National competition chair Will Nicholson explained, “One of our officials talked to Phil to see if there was a burr on the side of one of his spikes. He very generously said he would change them when he got in if there was a problem. There wasn’t.”
Locker Room Showdown
Mickelson ed frustration to journalists post-round: “I was extremely distracted and would have appreciated if it would have been handled differently or after the round.” He added that after overhearing Singh in the locker room, he confronted him. “He ed his concerns. I ed my disappointment with the way it was handled.”
Accounts from the time describe a more intense exchange. Mickelson reportedly called Singh a profanity-laced name and allegedly invited him outside. No physical altercation occurred.
Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams, later confirmed the heat on the ‘Chasing Majors’ podcast. Noting Mickelson’s spikes were longer than usual but regulation-compliant, Williams said, “I think it was just Phil and Vijay. I understand there was a bit of a heated conversation in the locker room. There’s no love lost between those two, that’s for sure.”
Race Results and Reconciliation
Mickelson placed 10th, Singh tied for fifth, and Woods secured his fourth Green Jacket.
Over time, Mickelson’s view softened. In 2020, he defended Singh amid criticism for joining the Korn Ferry Tour. Mickelson posted on X: “It’s no secret VJ and I aren’t close, but I’d like to say on his behalf that in addition to being a member of the HofF, he’s a big part of the PGA Tour’s success which financially subsidizes, and always has, the KFT. He has earned the right to play when and where he wants.”
