Why should you put your money on underdog Phil Mickelson beating Tiger Woods in their huge upcoming $9 MILLION 1-on-1 match?
It ain't 'cause he plays better with his back against the wall ...
"I think it pays better!"
PHIL'S GOT GAMBLING JOKES!!
But seriously, 48-year-old Lefty tells TMZ Sports he officially started his training Thursday for the day-after-Thanksgiving Pay-Per-View battle ... explaining, "I gave myself a month to get ready for it."
It's not just about about fattening his bank account, Phil says he's REALLY excited about the money the event will raise for charity.