The person that is the most influential to me is someone that has revolutionized the game that I love! Phil Mickelson has been one the most influential professional golfers for many reasons.  He has revolutionized the game of Golf for people that swing left-handed, like me.  Before he turned pro in 1992 there were very little left handed golfers, it was also very hard to acquire left handed clubs.  Since he success there has been many new left handed golfers like myself.  It also has become a lot easier to find top of the line left handed golf clubs.  It still is not even close to the same availability as right handed clubs, but there are many new left handed youth golfers emerging.  

Phil Mickelson also is a very influential role model to me.  He has been known for being a family man and always prioritizing his family first.  He has gone through a lot of struggles in the past couple years but he golf game has not suffered at all.  A couple of years ago his mother and his wife had breast cancer at the same time.  It was very hard for him and his escape was on the golf course.  He had one of his best years on tour that year and both his mom and wife beat cancer.  He is also very into his kids life for being so busy.  This past year in the US Open which is one the biggest tournaments every year. He decided to fly back to San Diego where he is from to see his daughters middle school graduation.  That night he flew back to Philadelphia and arrived at 3am, and had an 8am tee time.  He caught a lot of negative press for this, saying he will not be able to play well and he wasn't smart to do that.  He ended up finishing 2nd and nearly won the tournament. 

Phil Mickelson is a leader not only on the golf course but off the course as well.  He shows how he can get young golfers into the game and make it more popular.  He also shows how important it is to put family first and not let what other people say discourage you and put you down.