“You can caddie for me anytime” – When Phil Mickelson let a junior golfer caddie for him at the Dell Technologies Pro-Am to keep a promise

Phil Mickelson remained true to his word when he allowed a junior golfer to caddie for him at the Dell Technologies Championship Pro-Am in Boston, a heartwarming golfing story spanning years.

The tale began in 2017 during the Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston. Phil Mickelson, known for his friendly demeanor on and off the course, approached Riley, a young novice golfer, for advice on how to play the difficult 18th hole. Mickelson persuaded Riley to take the shot. Mickelson, putting his faith in the youthful golfer's advice, executed the shot.

Mickelson made a promise to Riley that would warm the souls of golf enthusiasts at that moment, which was filled with camaraderie and a shared passion for the game. Mickelson said with a grin,

"Riley, You can caddie for me anytime."

Phil Mickelson stayed true to his promise in 2018 when he returned to Boston for the Dell Technologies Championship. Riley, now a bit older and more experienced, caddied for Mickelson during the Pro-Am event, fulfilling a fantasy that had been sparked a year earlier.

Highlights from Phil Mickelson and Riley's alliance

During their 2018 golf match at the Dell Technologies Championship Pro-Am, Phil Mickelson and juvenile caddie Riley not only shared the greens but also engaged in friendly banter and mentorship.

"Tim (Mickelson, Phil's brother) needs a break. So you came at the perfect time." -- Phil

"You got to talk smack, you got to say, 'You sure you hit driver?' You know, something like that." -- Phil

"Part of his job is keeping me hydrated, but he doesn't do that too well." -- Riley

"I can already tell I'm a much better caddie than my dad."

Mickelson's final gift for young champ

In addition to describing his pre-strike thought process, Phil Mickelson also signed a glove for Riley. His gesture of signing an autograph that read "Riley Good Job" was a testament to the juvenile caddie's exceptional performance.

It was a moment of recognition and praise, signifying Riley's performance on the golf course as a caddie. Mickelson also requested that Riley remain nearby over the weekend in case he required additional assistance.

"Now listen. If something happens to Tim this week, I need you to stay close by," Mickelson said.

"Oh yeah, I will," Riley said.

Phil's caddie after 2017

In 2017, Mickelson separated his ways with Jim 'Bones' Mackay, his caddie of 25 years. Following this significant transformation, Mickelson welcomed his brother Tim Mickelson to his bag. Tim assumed the role of his caddy without difficulty, maintaining the familial connection on the golf course.