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Michael “Fury” Feuerstein is exactly where professional golfers often find themselves: a long way from home, chasing a cut halfway across the world, armed with nothing more than belief, a sharp short game, and a deep love of coffee…
This week, Feuerstein is in the United Arab Emirates, competing at the Abu Dhabi Challenge on the HotelPlanner Tour. And for the 41-year-old San Diego native, who has spent the better part of the last decade grinding on the PGA Tour Canada, PGA Tour Americas, and Korn Ferry Q-Schools, just making the weekend here in Al Ain feels like a small victory.
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“It’s been pretty nerve-wracking,” Fury said after Friday’s second round in the Garden City. “Today was a real grind—not many birdies out there, but I stayed patient. I’m excited for the weekend.”
That patience—and the ability to get up and down from just about anywhere—isn’t by luck. It’s the result of years of hustling, and more recently, hours of work with a pretty remarkable mentor: six-time major winner and fellow San Diego resident Phil Mickelson.
Yes, that Phil.
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Feuerstein and Mickelson met in San Diego around six or seven years ago and were introduced through a shared trainer. What started as a few casual rounds at their home club, it quickly turned into a full-blown friendship. “At first, he thought I’d be some easy money for him… which I was, at the beginning!” Fury laughs. “But now we’re always partners. It’s been a fun ride, for sure.”
They’ve played countless club matches since, and in 2023, they teamed up in winning both the gross and net divisions of The Farms’ prestigious Member/Member tournament. Their goal was “Operation Clean Sweep”, as Phil named it, and they delivered.
Operation Clean Sweep
“Phil would probably say that’s the most important win of his career,” Fury jokes. “Honestly, that was about as nervous as I’ve ever been on a golf course. Not even Q-School compares.
“When you’re Phil’s partner, you’ve got to play golf.”
It was after that win that Mickelson dubbed him “Michael ‘The Fury’ Feuerstein” in a video—and like most things Phil touches, the nickname stuck!
But it’s not just about good times and golf club lore. Mickelson has played a hands-on role in Fury’s career. “About a year and a half ago, I made it through to the finals of Korn Ferry Q-School for the first time.
“Phil spent hours and hours with me working on my chipping,” Fury says. “In the last round of second stage at Valencia Country Club, I got up and down on the final six holes to make it through by one shot—and I completely credit Phil for that.”
Michael Feuerstein – 2025 Abu Dhabi Challenge – Octavio Passos / Getty Images
This week at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, that same short-game grit got Fury to the weekend. And while Mickelson maybe thousands of miles away, Fury knows he’s following along.
“When I check my phone, I might have a text saying, ‘Good going, Fury.’ That’s pretty special.”
Another bond their duo blend over is their shared love of coffee.
“Phil actually got me into coffee, and I’ve taken it about 15 steps further!” he says. “I’ve got two espresso machines at home. It’s become a bit of an obsession, to be honest.
“Especially here (UAE) —they take their coffee very seriously, which I love.”
Feuerstein starts every morning with The Good Stuff, the coffee blend from Mickelson’s health brand, For Wellness.
“I’ve lost about 60 pounds in the last three years. It’s kind of like a meal replacement—keeps you feeling good until lunchtime. He introduced me to that, and now the company’s doing really well. We’re rooting for For Wellness!”
Now a husband and father to a two-year-old daughter, Michael is playing for more than just a place to play. “The hardest part now is being away from my wife and daughter. I miss them a lot,” he says. “Even if at home, it’s mainly Dora the Explorer or Miss Rachel on the TV screen!”
Whether he’s in San Diego, South Africa (where he posted a T-21 earlier this season in Cape Town), or the Middle East, Feuerstein embraces the grind he’s on.
For now, maybe—just maybe—Michael will be sending Phil a text Sunday night, letting him know The Fury made another move.
Main Image: Octavio Passos / Getty Images
