Golf in shock as legendary Phil Mickelson’s begins dramatic weight loss

A slim Phil Mickelson has taken on the media and spoken out about his radical weight loss.

Golf fans gasped at the sight of the legend claiming he was in “the best shape” in a long time.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sydney golfers encounter a deadly snake on the green.

Watch the latest sport on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>

Speaking to Saudi International, the 52-year-old said he had returned to the same weight he had when he was in college.

“I have a completely different energy, a completely different excitement,” he said.

“I’ve been rejuvenated. The best shape I’ve been in a long time. I’m back to my college weight. This allows me to recover faster after playing.”

In an interview with Sports Illustrated on Monday, Mickelson went into more detail about his stunning transformation.

“I’m stronger than I’ve probably been (ever) in my career. I’ve lost more than 20 pounds (about 10 kg). I’m flexible, I’m recovering faster and I’m ready to go,” he said.

Golf fans were “rightly” blown away by the slimmed down Phil.

And some thought he was “unrecognizable.”

The Gulf superstar sparked global controversy when he joined the Saudi-backed LIV, but he said he was happy with his decision.

“I’m just getting the last year out of my head and breaking away. A lot has happened and my focus is back on today and the beginning of the year,” he told Sports Illustrated.

“If I never played another PGA Tour event again, I’d be perfectly happy with it.

“I’m playing 19 events and I don’t know how many more. Actually, I would rather reduce the number of tournaments because I’m also in the four majors. That’s a lot of golf.

“But I am motivated and looking forward to getting started. All these things create new energy. Having teammates who push each other. I’m motivated, but I don’t see any advantage in playing more.

“The tournaments where you will make your mark are the majors. That creates a memory. Who cares if I win another Tour event? It’s not like it has anything to do with how I view my career.

“Another major would be a unique, special moment. I really want to thrive there. And of course, winning some LIV events would mean a lot because of the role I played in its creation.”