Phil Mickelson at the Ryder Cup. To his right are Justin Leonard, Paul Azinger and Butch Harmon. (Proforged/Flickr)
“BEWARE THE AILING GOLFER,” Phil Mickelson said in the press tent after claiming his first World Golf Championship title on Sunday at the Blue Monster in Miami, Florida. It was Phil’s second win of the season and 36th career victory, trying him for 12th on the all-time win list with Lloyd Mangrum.
Lefty overcame a virus that prevented him from eating for two days and landed him in a clinic on Saturday night to be treated for dehydration. He also survived the splendid shotmaking of up-and-comer Nick Watney, who played in the final group with Mickelson in the last two rounds and left a tying putt inches short on the 72nd hole.
Phil carded rounds of 65, 66, 69 and 69 for a 19-under total. It was an impressive performance and will surely get the golf world buzzing about a possible Tiger-Phil duel, especially as the Masters approaches.
Bradley Wins in Puerto Rico
Michael Bradley sank an 11-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win the Puerto Rico Open.
−The Armchair Golfer
What a blast to watch. After that 12th hole I wasn’t sure how it would all end up, but they both played some spectacular golf. I thought it was fitting that both of their first putts on 18 landed on the edge of the cup. It was that close.
Cheers to Phil for being able to play when sick. I can’t play well with a headache!