Golf: End Of An Era? US' Phil Mickelson Drops Out Of Top 50 For First Time In 25 Years

For the first time since Nov. 27, 1993, the U.S great Phil Mickelson is no longer in the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The American had spent astounding 1,353 consecutive weeks in the top 50 before he finally dropped to World No. 51 after finishing in a tie for 28th at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Sunday in China.

Mickelson broke into the top 50 as a 23-year-old and had shown unbelievable consistency to remain there for 25 years and 11 months - the longest run since the world rankings were introduced in golf in 1986.

"I just haven't played well. I just had a lot of stuff going on, and I just haven't been really focused and into the mental side. I haven't seen good clear pictures. I haven't been as committed and as connected to the target. I just haven't been mentally as sharp the last six, eight months," Mickelson had said before finishing T-28 at the WGC HSBC Champions.

According to USA Today, Mickelson is set to see another streak of his end this week. Tiger Woods is about to make his captain's picks for the Presidents Cup and Mickelson is expected not to be included.

The 49-year-old Mickelson - a five-time major winner - has played on 24 straight Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, qualifying for 20 of them. The last time Mickelson was not on a team was 1993. However. Mickelson is taking the new developments quite sportingly and has accepted the fact that all good things come to an end.

"I've played terribly this year and even if I were to win this week, I do not deserve or warrant a pick for the Presidents Cup. There are much better players who have played better throughout the year, and so I won't be on the team this year. But I intend to come back strong, play well and get back on the Ryder Cup team next year," Mickelson added.