Two Masters champions, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh, face a two-year gap without crossing paths at the major following their infamous 2005 locker room altercation. Mickelson, winner in 2004, 2006, and 2010, withdrew from this year’s tournament, while Singh, the 2000 champion, skipped last year’s event.

The On-Course Complaint

During the 2005 Masters—remembered for Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in on the 16th—tensions boiled over after the second round on Friday. Singh, fresh off controversy at Bay Hill where he called for an inspection of Woods’ driver, targeted Mickelson’s spikes. He claimed the 8mm spikes, switched from 6mm weeks earlier, gouged the greens.

At the 12th hole, Singh summoned an official to complain about the group ahead, including Mickelson. Officials promptly informed the 54-year-old Mickelson and warned that his spikes might need filing if deemed excessive. His playing partner, Stuart Appleby, quipped, “What are they going to send? A blacksmith?”

Augusta National’s then-competition chair, Will Nicholson, resolved the issue swiftly. “One of our officials talked to Phil to see if there was a burr on the side of one of his spikes,” Nicholson explained. “He very generously said he would change them when he got in if there was a problem. There wasn’t.” No filing proved necessary.

Locker Room Showdown

Mickelson’s frustration peaked post-round. “I was extremely distracted and would have appreciated if it would have been handled differently or after the round,” he told journalists. After overhearing Singh discuss the matter in the locker room, Mickelson confronted him. “He ed his concerns. I ed my disappointment with the way it was handled,” Mickelson added.

Contemporary accounts paint a more intense picture: Mickelson reportedly called Singh a profanity-laced name and suggested they settle it outside. The challenge went unanswered.

Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams, later confirmed the heat on the ‘Chasing Majors’ podcast. Noting Mickelson’s spikes exceeded norms but complied with rules, Williams said, “I think it was just Phil and Vijay. I understand there was a bit of a heated conversation in the locker room. There’s no love lost between those two, that’s for sure.”

Race Results and Reconciliation

Mickelson placed 10th, Singh tied for fifth, and Woods secured his fourth Green Jacket. Over time, Mickelson’s view softened. In 2020, as Singh faced backlash for joining the Korn Ferry Tour, Mickelson defended him on X: “It’s no secret VJ and I aren’t close, but I’d like to say on his behalf that in addition to being a member of the HofF, he’s a big part of the PGA Tour’s success which financially subsidizes, and always has, the KFT. He has earned the right to play when and where he wants.”