Mickelson, Golf Greats Inducted into Hall of Fame

Phil Mickelson has been called a modern-day Arnold Palmer by many for his contributions to the game of golf both on and off the course. Last night, he joined two-time major champion Sandy Lyle of Scotland, writer Dan Jenkins, British player-turned-broadcaster Peter Alliss, and four-time LPGA major champion Hollis Stacy on stage as all were formally inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Unique to the sport, golf's Hall of Fame allows currently-competing players to be inducted (as was the case last year with Ernie Els, also). Mickelson is certainly still able to perform at an extremely high level and seems to be a favorite for any tournament he plays. He currently sits in the top-20 of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Mickelson's rise to greatness was the result of both highs and lows in his career, as the man himself acknowledged during his heartfelt induction speech last night in Florida. Every golf fan remembers the amazing shots he has crafted throughout his career - perhaps none more amazing than one particular effort at Augusta National - and even a few of the man's failures on the course. Regardless, Mickelson remains a fan-favorite for his charitable efforts, his attention to fans, and his unwavering ability to create spectacular golf memories more often than not.

On Monday night Mickelson shared a few stories about his family and how his children would react to various moments in his golf career:

There were memories of his oldest daughter born after the first of his record five runner-up finishes in the U.S. Open, the blonde curls of his second daughter, Sophia, whom he told, "Daddy won!" after his first major at the Masters. He told of the 2005 PGA Championship win, how son Evan was high-fiving the New Jersey state troopers.

However, the main topic of his speech was more on following one's dreams and allow one's self todream. Referring to his fellow-inductees on stage that evening, Mickelson stated, "They can attest that you can't start fulfilling your dreams until you dream big."

Indeed, Phil. You have dreamed bigger than most, and have succeed more than most in the process. Congratulations on an honor well-deserved.