Phil Mickelson isn’t teeing it up at this year’s Masters, but one of his simple yet powerful tips is firmly in Jon Rahm’s corner. Rahm, who won the Masters in 2023 and has consistently placed in the top five in all five LIV events this year, credits a mindset trick — partly inspired by Mickelson — that helps him stay steady on Augusta’s notoriously demanding course. The key? Not sweating the occasional par.
The Power of Pars: What Mickelson Told Rahm About Augusta
Jon Rahm’s mental approach to the Masters leans heavily on a statistical insight shared by both Phil Mickelson and Jose Maria Olazabal. Rahm explained to GOLF.com that nearly all holes at Augusta National, except the par-5s, play over par for the entire tournament, often by a significant margin. That means a par on those holes isn’t just acceptable — it’s actually better than average.
“Statistically, 99.9% of the time, for the whole tournament, the only holes that play under par are the par 5s,” Rahm said. This includes holes like the short par-4 third and the ninth, which many players can reach with aggressive shots but still end up playing over par collectively.
Why This Matters: The Real Impact of Pars on the Leaderboard
Understanding that pars on most holes at Augusta keep you even or ahead of the field allows Rahm to stay composed, especially when he misses birdie opportunities. Instead of grinding unnecessarily or forcing risky shots, he can trust that a well-earned par keeps his score competitive.
Rahm’s strategy aligns with how the scoring has historically played out. From as far back as the 1940s through 2025, cumulative scoring data shows that all non-par-5 holes have averaged over par, while par-5s consistently play just below par. This means pars on par-4s and par-3s at Augusta are often quietly valuable.
When the Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
However, this Mickelson tip isn’t without nuance. The 2025 Masters saw some shifts, especially on the front-nine par-5s (the 2nd and 4th holes), which played tougher than usual. They averaged 4.61 strokes, meaning a par could lose nearly half a stroke versus the field average there — more than Rahm might typically count on. Conversely, the back-nine par-5s, like the 13th and 15th, remain more forgiving, playing close to or under par.
This recent data suggests that while the general Mickelson tip stands, it needs some fine-tuning to reflect evolving course setups and tee box changes. Rahm’s approach may evolve accordingly, balancing patience with selective aggression.
How This Shapes Jon Rahm’s Approach to Augusta
Rahm’s ability to internalize Mickelson’s tip isn’t just about avoiding bogeys. It’s about managing risk and reward strategically across one of golf’s toughest tests. By knowing when par suffices, he can focus his energy on holes where birdies truly matter — the par-5s — while conserving composure elsewhere.
This mindset also reduces mental strain on the early rounds of the Masters, where players often face pressure to make early moves. Instead, Rahm’s approach encourages steady play, helping him maintain position and avoid the leaderboard swings that can occur when players chase aggressive lines unnecessarily.
What This Means for Golf Fans and Players Alike
For fans and aspiring players wondering how this works in practice: the Phil Mickelson tip Jon Rahm uses at Augusta Masters is a reminder that sometimes the smartest play is to hold steady. Given Augusta’s layout and scoring trends, understanding which holes truly demand birdies versus those where par is a win can inform smarter course management and mental resilience.
Whether you’re navigating Augusta National or your local course, this principle underscores a broader truth in golf: not every hole needs to be a highlight reel moment. Consistency and strategic patience often outpace wild swings.
As reported by Golf.com, this insight connects decades of statistical data with the lived experience of top pros, showing how deep course knowledge and mental tricks shape winning strategies at the highest level.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on how Rahm adjusts his approach to the front-nine par-5s this Masters, especially given their recent increased difficulty. Watching if he opts for more conservative plays or keeps trying to capitalize aggressively will reveal how much he’s adapted the Mickelson tip for the current course setup. For a broader view, explore our coverage of golf majors coverage and results.
Source: as reported by Golf.com
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