Phil Mickelson is the best.
Not just one of the best golfers in the world. But just the absolute best quote machine.
The five-time major winner and 11-time Ryder Cup USA team member (a U.S. record), seemingly has no plans to end his run of consecutive Ryder Cups played when the matches head to Paris in 2018.
The 46-year-old is in Napa, Calif., this week for the PGA Tour's season-opening Safeway Open. Before it began, Mickelson -- who went 2-1-1 at Hazeltine for the first American victory since 2008 -- was asked if he envisioned himself being a player, or a vice captain/captain for the 2018 Ryder Cup.
This was his reply:
"It's been 22 years since there have been 10 Americans that have been able to beat me so I don't know why it would stop now."
Mickelson was referring to the span since he played his first Ryder Cup in 1995 at Oak Hill.
"I plan on being on the team in France and absolutely one of my goals is to play in France because I’ve never been on a winning Ryder Cup team over in Europe," Mickelson added. "I want to go win a Ryder Cup over there and I want to be part of that as a player."
Remarkably, Mickelson has earned his spot on every team since 1995, never once having to rely on a Captain's Pick. And, it should be noted, there have been times in that stretch where captains had the luxury of two, three and even four Captain's Picks. Mickelson always played well enough to make the team on points.
Talk about longevity.
While the quote may sound bold and cocky for a man who will be 48 years old when the next Ryder Cup is played, who doesn't love Mickelson's confidence?
It could be argued that he was the architect of the latest U.S. win, as he set the wheels in motion for change during a very honest, yet uncomfortable, post-2014 Ryder Cup press conference.
At Hazeltine, Mickelson may not have been the Captain or even a Vice Captain, but he was very much the leader of the team.
We're not ruling him out as a participant for 2018.
Here are the highlights from the epic Mickelson/Sergio Garcia singles match at Hazeltine:
