Keegan Bradley admitted he didn't fully appreciate Phil Mickelson's guidance during his early golfing years, as the pair gear up to take on the this week. Bradley has reflected on his experiences with Mickelson during the 2014 , after the now-experienced athlete was named as the Team USA captain for this year's tournament.

Despite Team USA's loss to Europe at the time, Mickelson's approach to mentoring the younger made a lasting impression on Bradley.

At a recent press conference in October 2024, the 38-year-old golfer expressed his newfound respect for Mickelson's skill.

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Bradley, who will tee off with Mickelson at Augusta National this week, said: "Really, early in my career, I took for granted Phil's leadership that he gave me. I was playing with one of the best players to ever touch a club.

"In alternate-shot, he just said, 'We're going to play your ball'. You know, things that I took for granted over the years, knowing who I'm going to play with in every Cup that I play on."

Bradley also credited Mickelson for creating a supportive environment that allowed him to thrive.

He added: "What Phil did for me is he created a relaxed atmosphere, and he told me, 'Don't worry about putting it four or five feet by. I'll make them coming back'. Little stuff like that, really, it helped me."

Bradley hailed Mickelson for the guidance provided both on and off the course, even as the 54-year-old transitioned to LIV Golf in 2022 - away from Bradley and the PGA Tour. He said: "He mentored me before the event.

"Took me to dinner. Talked to me nonstop throughout the year about the pressures and what's going to come and I really learned a lot, and it hasn't been until now that I've really realised what an incredible thing it was that he did for me."

He added: "I owe a lot to Phil and I think he's done so much for the American side of the Ryder Cup."

With all eyes set on the Masters at Augusta National, Bradley and Mickelson are making their final preparations for the prestigious tournament.

They will tee off together alongside Australian golfer Jason Day, with their first round kicking off at 3:58pm UK time on Thursday.

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