Phil Mickelson the 3rd best golfer of all time?

No way , JOSE!!!. IF Mickelson wins the next three majors which would mean 2008 British Open, PGA Championship and the 2009 Masters, that would be a major miracle. Until he starts to emulate Tiger and learns to keep his ball in play there is no chance in Hell that he will win 3 in a row. As for notable golfers, you have forgotten to mention a couple or more like Ben Hogan, Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Harry Vardon,Willie Anderson, Charles McDonald, Claude Harmon, Julius Boros, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead. As for playing against Tiger, woulda, coulda and shoulda don't enter into the picture.