Monday 13th February 2012

Mickelson dominates in Pebble Beach win

Mickelson dominates in Pebble Beach win

Phil Mickelson showed Tiger Woods how to win big as he destroyed the former world number one on his way to the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Playing alongside Woods, Mickelson delivered the archetypal Sunday charge with an eight under par round of 64 to become only the ninth player to win 40 career PGA Tour titles.

The American's three birdies were joined by an eagle at the par-five sixth as he reached the turn in five-under 31 to stand at 14 under for the tournament.

Mickelson's nearest challenger entering the final stages was compatriot Kevin Streelman, who hit seven birdies and a bogey through 12 holes to lie just a stroke off the lead.

Ricky Barnes was a further stroke back on 12 under after going four under through 11 holes, while overnight leader Charlie Wi was also in a tie for third after dropping three shots over his first eight holes.

Dustin Johnson, Kevin Na and Ken Duke were at 11 under through 10, nine and eight holes respectively to remain well in touch with the leaders.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington was at 10 under through 11 holes, but things were less encouraging for Tiger Woods, who came into the final round four strokes off the lead and was looking good when he picked up a birdie at the sixth, only for bogeys at seven, eight and nine to hit his chances.

That left the American two over par for the round at the turn and five shots off the pace of playing partner Mickelson.

Mickelson finished 11 shots ahead of Woods who had a round of 75 for a tie for 15th place.

South Korean Charlie Wi four-putted for bogey on the opening hole and could not recover as he saw his overnight three-shot lead disappear under Mickelson's charge which took him to 17 under by the close.

Wi eventually finished two shots back from Mickelson, with Ricky Barnes two back in third on 13 under and Aaron Baddeley on 12 under.

Kevin Na and Dustin Johnson tied for fifth on 11 under, with Ireland's Padraig Harrington a shot further back on 10 under along with Ken Duke.

Greg Owen was in a tie for ninth on nine under, with fellow Englishmen Brian Davis tied 29th on five under, Ian Poulter on two under and Gary Christian one under.

Mickelson admitted he was enjoying having the upper hand over Woods, something he had made the most of over the past five years after his rival's earlier dominance.

"I feel he brings the best out of me but only the last five years. Before that I got spanked pretty good."

Mickelson also enjoyed taking one putt from holes 12 to 15 to cement his victory.

"My putter just feels really good. As each day passes I seem to make more and more putts.

"I am really excited about this. Because I have confidence in my ability I was trying to make and believed I was going to make those 30-footers."


Powered by Disqus
  • Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook


standard
 

  • ESPN is a trademark of ESPN, Inc and STAR is a trademark of Star Television Productions Limited. Trademarks used under license by ESPN STAR Sports.
  • Presented by ESPN, Star Sports, Star Cricket