Phil Mickelson shares emotional tribute to former coach Dave Pelz after his death at age of 85 READ MORE: Rory McIlroy reveals Augusta changes after Hurricane Helene By ISABEL BALDWIN Published: 16:13 GMT, 28 March 2025 | Updated: 16:13 GMT, 28 March 2025 Phil Mickelson penned an emotional tribute to his former coach Dave Pelz following his death earlier this week. Pelz, a renowned short game coach, died at the age of 85 Sunday in his Texas home following reported complications from prostate cancer. The former NASA physicist boasted many major champions, including Mickelson, among his pupils after he switched his focus from science to stroke. And Mickelson, 54, who worked with Pelz throughout his decorated career, honored his memory Wednesday as he attributed a lot of his success, which includes six major championships, to the late instructor. 'I have so many things to say about this incredible man,' the LIV Golf star shared with his 881,600 followers on X. '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.' Phil Mickelson penned an emotional tribute to his former coach Dave Pelz following his death Pelz, a renowned shortgame coach, died at the age of 85 Sunday in his Texas home Mickelson attributed a lot of his success, which includes six majors, to the late instructor Pelz, who is survived by his wife, JoAnn, their five children and nine grandchildren, left NASA in 1975 to devote his intelligence to the science of putting. He is credited with establishing multiple different short game techniques and training methods, which were showcased on his Golf Channel series, 'The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Show.' He also wrote a number of instructional books - including best-sellers 'Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible' and 'Putting Bible' - produced videos and setup his own short game school. In addition to Mickelson, Pelz also coached a host of big names, including Tom Kite, Payne Stewart, Steve Elkington, Vijay Singh and Patrick Reed. His team announced the news of Pelz's death Wednesday in a statement that hailed him for changing 'the game of golf forever.' Another disciple of Pelz and LIV member, Reed, paid his own tribute to his former trainer, describing him as 'the best coach he had ever had.' Pelz is credited with establishing multiple different shortgame techniques and training His other disciples include 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, who shared his own tribute 'I was 24 years old, and I asked Dave Pelz if he would work with me and coach me, to help me with my short-game and my putting,' the 2018 Masters champion said. 'But he became and was so much more to Justine and I than a coach.' 'His contributions to the game of golf will outlive my lifetime, and I hope one day to have contributed as much good in the world and in the game as he did,' he added. 'He never doubted my ability, he challenged it. And more than anything, he and JP loved Justine and I the way a mom or dad loves to see their children achieve a dream, a goal, and wanted the best for us, and it was so real and genuine... Thank you for the memories, thank you for your support, and thank you for believing in me. 'You changed my life. I love you DP. We love you and you will forever be in our hearts and minds.' Share or comment on this article: Phil Mickelson shares emotional tribute to former coach Dave Pelz after his death at age of 85 Add comment