Phil Mickelson signs glove for ex-bikie at The Open Championship

Phil Mickelson capped his final Open Championship with a bizarre off-course moment on 18 July, signing a glove for a former bikie at St Andrews.

The 56-year-old American legend wrapped up his last Open at St Andrews by handing over a signed glove to a former bikie in the crowd. Mickelson, playing his 30th Open Championship, finished tied for 60th with a two-over-par 72 in his final round. The moment came as he exited the course, drawing stares and laughs from fans still buzzing from his final major.

And the glove signing wasn’t planned. A spectator-later identified as a former member of the Hells Angels-shouted a request as Mickelson passed. Without hesitation, Mickelson pulled a glove from his bag and scribbled his signature across the leather. The crowd erupted, phones flashed, and the moment became the oddest highlight of Mickelson’s final Open.

This wasn’t just a quirky footnote. It capped a week where Mickelson, chasing his first Open win since 2013, showed flashes of his old magic. His final-round 72 left him six shots behind the leader, but his 30th Open appearance-one more than Jack Nicklaus-cemented his legacy. The glove signing added a surreal twist to an already emotional farewell to golf’s oldest major.

But the moment also underlined Mickelson’s enduring appeal. Fans packed the Swilcan Burn bridge to snap photos with him. His caddie, Jim Mackay, joked that Mickelson’s signature on anything-gloves, hats, even napkins-was now fair game. The ex-bikie’s grin as he clutched the glove summed up the week: pure, unfiltered Phil.

Mickelson’s next start remains unclear. He’s set to tee up at the 2026 FedEx Cup playoffs in August, but his focus now shifts to family and potential Champions Tour plans. His Open exit leaves a void-no active player has matched his 30 Open appearances. And while the glove signing stole the headlines, it’s his final-round fight-three late birdies to avoid the dreaded 73-that truly defined his week.

So what’s next for the lefty? Rumors swirl about a Champions Tour push, but for now, the glove he signed might just outlast his clubs. One thing’s sure: no one will forget his final Open moment-and the bikie who walked away with a piece of history.