Phil Mickelson won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the fourth time on Sunday to deny playing partner Tiger Woods a chance at his first official PGA Tour victory in over two years.
The 41-year-old American fired a final round eight-under par 64 for a 17-under total of 269, winning by two strokes and ending the hopes of Woods, who closed with a three-over 75. “It feels amazing,” Mickelson said. “Hopefully this is one of a few I will win this year because I am starting to feel pretty good.”
Third round leader Charlie Wi of South Korea was second after shooting a even-par 72 to finish on 271. Mickelson outdueled Woods by getting off to a quick start with a superb opening stretch of one eagle and three birdies in his first six holes and then saving par twice by sinking two long putts on the back nine.
Mickelson, who got off to a rocky start this season, picked up $1.15 million in first-place prize money in posting his 40th career PGA triumph and first victory since the Houston Open 10
months ago. It was the 30th time the two US golfing giants have gone head-to-head, with Mickelson is 5-0 against Woods in their last five meetings in a final round. Overall they are even at 13-13-4 in head-to-head contests.
Woods worked hard all week to get himself into contention then had another Sunday where he couldn’t close the door. “It is frustrating,” Woods said. “I had a chance. All I needed was to get off to a good start today and I didn’t do that.”
