Sunday, February 22, 2009

Mickelson Dances With Devil, Wins Northern Trust Open


He had a four stroke lead at the start of today's play. He was two down with three to play. He birdied two of the last three and made a par saving 6 footer on 18 to disappoint Steve Stricker and claim his 35th PGA Tour victory. Phil Mickelson did all of that in one Sunday afternoon to roller coaster his was to consecutive wins at Riviera in the Northern Trust Open.

Phil waltzed on the precipice of a huge defeat only to snatch it away from Stricker's slick 67. Stricker waited as Mickelson drained that winning 6 footer and the crowd's roar said it all. 72 was enough. Barely. Fred Couples felt the theft as well. He was a single shot behind when he fanned his 2nd shot on 18 and looked in pain as it rocketed into a eucalyptus tree, effectively ending his run at one of his favorite courses. His final round 69 placed him in a tie for 3rd with KJ Choi and Andres Romero.

So, the stage is set for this week's WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Phil heads in on the wings of a victory and Tiger Woods returns from a long hiatus. All is beginning to be well in the pro golf world.

Be there this week as Average Golfer breaks down the brackets and tells you early who your money should be behind. Should be a blast.



Til' next,

6 comments:

  1. Phil wins, and the Tiger returns, golf getting some excitement back

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  2. Phil cannot begin to challenge Tiger or the "young guns" with the game he's shown us this season. He got really lucky today.

    Phil's play is as up and down as the dollar.

    Sorry...but Phil better straighten up his game or he'll be outside the top ten before Sept.

    He tried to look "hip" with that pathetic black/white belt thing (oh man...where was his wife!!!!), but he needs to start talking with his game - not his reputation. This win was with a group that is average at best (no offence to my faves Stricker, Couples and Choi). The BEST would have cleaned his clock!

    Golfgal
    www.golfgal.ca

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  3. What an exciting finish. Mr. Couples is so cool and I was happy to see Mr. Mickelson keep it together--despite himself.

    I liked seeing Mr. Mickelson try to add a little flare with his white belt. He's allowed to have some fun too. I think he was wearing shiny, patent leather yesterday.

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  4. GG,

    I'd have to agree on the white belt, and as I've said before....."Phil, lose the watch!"

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  5. Heather,

    I wasn't disappointed he won, but c'mon, that belt! Phil's too big a guy and should stick to solids. He looks like a fast food worker.

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  6. I will continue to defend Phil's belt. Besides, look how much fun everyone has had talking about it.

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