Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods aren't hated rivals

Unguarded moments often tell the truth that we refuse to see. Despite what you may have read in the press and despite what you think you may have seen on television, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods don’t really hate each other. Oh yeah, they want to beat each other – bad. But that is on the golf course only.

Here is all you need to know regarding their feelings for one another. Their paths crossed just over a week ago on the driving range at Winged Foot when both golfers showed up separately to get in a practice round at the site of this years U.S. Open. Had there been any animosity between, there would have been only a small acknowledgement of each other, such as a wave or perhaps a brief handshake and hello. But what happened was remarkable. After a greeting, they both warmed up side by side, the two best golfers on the planet together on a nearly empty practice tee.

Of course, they played their practice round separately, wanting to fully focus on their own game plans. But that is because they both so desparately want to win … and beat the other guy.