Phil Mickelson showed his class by delivering on caddie promise before joining LIV Golf

Phil Mickelson once made a young fan's dream come true, letting a junior golfer caddie for him during a PGA Tour Pro-Am. This came four years before his controversial LIV Golf switch.

The breakaway series has been turning heads in Spain this week at LIV Golf Andalucia, drawing near the climactic third round. Mickelson was one of the Tour's standouts when he lucratively jumped ship in 2022, leaving behind a circuit on which he had amassed an impressive tally of 45 title wins.

But, rewind four years prior to his signing with LIV, Mickelson showed a moment of class at the Dell Technologies Championship Pro-Am after he kept his word to allow a junior golfer, who had given him advice the previous year, to caddie for him.

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During that fateful encounter in 2017, Mickelson, faced with a challenging shot at TPC Boston's par-five 18th, took shot advice from a keen junior named Riley. Grateful for the tip that worked wonders, Mickelson quipped: "Riley, you can caddie for me anytime."

Fast-forward to the following year and the six-time major winner didn't forget his promise. As his brother Tim took a backseat, Mickelson handed over his bag to the youngster, along with some cheeky caddying tips.

"Tim needs a break, so you came at the perfect time," stated Mickelson. "You got to talk smack, you got to say, 'You sure you hit driver?' You know, something like that."

After sinking his putt, Mickelson shared a lighthearted moment with Riley. He quipped: "Riley, thank you for your help. I appreciate it. Now listen, if something happens to Tim this week, I need you to stay close by, all right?"

Both exchanged handshakes, after which Mickelson signed a glove for Riley, marking the end of an unforgettable encounter for the young fan, reports the Mirror US.

This incident came at a time when Mickelson was adjusting to changes. In 2017, he and long-time caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay parted ways after a partnership spanning 25 years.

Mickelson's brother Tim soon became his caddie, a move that saw them triumph at the 2018 WGC-Mexico Championship, the 2019 Pebble Beach Pro-Am and in an incredible major win at the 2021 PGA Championship.

However, just weeks before the 2024 Masters, Mickelson announced the decision to part ways with brother Tim, expressing deep appreciation.

"I've had some great accomplishments in my career and getting to share them with my brother Tim has been beyond special," he stated. "I'm very lucky to have had him on the bag for me the past eight years and as my brother for life. I'll always cherish the many great moments we've shared on the course, and I look forward to many more special moments off the course, too."

Jon Yarbrough was swiftly named as Mickelson's new caddie. With over a decade's experience alongside Scott Stalling and over twenty years in the field, Yarbrough brought a wealth of experience to Mickelson's team.