Phil Mickelson pays tribute to golf legend who passes away aged 85

Phil Mickelson has paid tribute to his former short game coach Dave Pelz, who sadly lost his life aged 85 last Sunday.

Mickelson, 54, took to X / Twitter to reveal exactly what Pelz meant to him as a friend and a tutor.

The LIV Golf star believes he would not have turned into the golf legend he is today without the helpful instruction given to him by his former short game coach Pelz. 

Mickelson first contacted Pelz in 2003 at a time when he had never won a major championship.

Lefty then began working with Pelz and ended up becoming a six-time major champion. 

"I have so many things to say about this incredible man," wrote Mickelson of Pelz.

"I owe so much of my success to the many things he taught me and he lives on as I share those same insights to numerous other golfers. 

"The laughs we shared along the way is what I cherish most and I look forward to paying tribute to this great man with “Pelz stories” in the near future. Rest in peace my friend."

Many golfers will likely remember Pelz's famous Short Game and Putting Bibles that he released back in the 90s. 

Pelz is considered one of the greatest short game coaches the game has ever seen. 

The Dave Pelz Team wrote on X / Twitter feed: "Please join the Pelz Golf Team in a Tribute to our inspiration, founder, and coach Dave Pelz who died Sunday at 85 years old. https://pelzgolf.com/tribute/ Dave changed the game of golf forever and will be deeply missed."

GolfMagic was afforded the great opportunity to spend time with Pelz at The Grove in 2012. 

We would like to send our best wishes to all of Pelz's family and friends at this difficult time. 

RIP Dave Pelz, a golf legend.