Brady praises Mickelson's bid for PGA Championship: 'Just great to watch'

Phil Mickelson is on the heels of smashing a majors record, and his masterclass performance in the PGA Championship drew praise from another superstar athlete in Tom Brady.

Mickelson, 50, is just 18 holes away from becoming the oldest champion in majors history. His showing over the last three rounds at Kiawah Island garnered appreciation from the 43-year-old Brady, who also became the oldest player to compete in a Super Bowl earlier this year.

"He's so committed and such a great athlete, it's a pleasure to see him compete," Brady told the Los Angeles Times via text message. "His love of the game is inspiring for us all, and he is always looking for ways to improve mentally, physically, and emotionally! Just great to watch."

Mickelson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback have shared the field before. Peyton Manning and Tiger Woods defeated the duo in the second installment of "The Match."

Mickelson hasn't won a major since the 2013 British Open. He currently has a one-shot lead over Brooks Koepka heading into Sunday's final round.

With a victory, the 50-year-old would surpass Julius Boros as the oldest golfer to win a major. Boros was 48 years old when he won the 1968 PGA Championship.