Pebble Beach close call fuels Phil Mickelson’s fire
Five-time Major winner says he is motivated and has built momentum for the rest of the year
10 February 2020 - 17:28
byAndrew Both
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Phil Mickelson. Picture: DENNIS SCHNEIDLER-USA TODAY SPORTS
Los Angeles — Phil Mickelson fell short in his quest for a record sixth Pebble Beach Pro-Am victory on Sunday but says his results over the past few weeks have given him momentum for the rest of the year.
Mickelson got within two strokes of eventual winner Nick Taylor with five holes left on the famous California course but faded down the stretch to finish five back.
“It was a hard day but I got outplayed,” the five-time Major champion said after shooting a two-over-par 74.
“I’m totally fine with that in that I’m going to continue to get better and give myself more chances. I’m really excited about the rest of the year. These last couple of weeks have given me a lot of motivation and momentum to continue doing what I’m doing.”
The 49-year-old has plenty to motivate him, not least the US Open at Winged Foot, the same venue where he double-bogeyed the last in 2006 when needing par to win.
He is not now exempt to return this year to a championship he has never won but has had six runner-up finishes. Mickelson has said he would not accept a special exemption into the tournament in June but Sunday’s third-place finish will help his chances of earning a place on merit.
The result will lift him to 55th in the world rankings, with the top 60 as of May 20 exempt. Also on the horizon in 2020 is the Ryder Cup, an event the American has not missed since his debut in 1995. September’s instalment at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin could be his final chance to play in the biennial competition against Europe on home soil.
Sunday marked Mickelson’s first top-10 finish on the PGA Tour since winning at Pebble Beach in 2019. He came third at the European Tour’s Saudi International a week ago. While not at his best on Sunday, Mickelson said it was not because of a lack of self-belief.
“My focus was really sharp today,” he said. “I just didn’t execute and we had a few misjudgements of the wind.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Pebble Beach close call fuels Phil Mickelson’s fire
Five-time Major winner says he is motivated and has built momentum for the rest of the year
Los Angeles — Phil Mickelson fell short in his quest for a record sixth Pebble Beach Pro-Am victory on Sunday but says his results over the past few weeks have given him momentum for the rest of the year.
Mickelson got within two strokes of eventual winner Nick Taylor with five holes left on the famous California course but faded down the stretch to finish five back.
“It was a hard day but I got outplayed,” the five-time Major champion said after shooting a two-over-par 74.
“I’m totally fine with that in that I’m going to continue to get better and give myself more chances. I’m really excited about the rest of the year. These last couple of weeks have given me a lot of motivation and momentum to continue doing what I’m doing.”
The 49-year-old has plenty to motivate him, not least the US Open at Winged Foot, the same venue where he double-bogeyed the last in 2006 when needing par to win.
He is not now exempt to return this year to a championship he has never won but has had six runner-up finishes. Mickelson has said he would not accept a special exemption into the tournament in June but Sunday’s third-place finish will help his chances of earning a place on merit.
The result will lift him to 55th in the world rankings, with the top 60 as of May 20 exempt. Also on the horizon in 2020 is the Ryder Cup, an event the American has not missed since his debut in 1995. September’s instalment at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin could be his final chance to play in the biennial competition against Europe on home soil.
Sunday marked Mickelson’s first top-10 finish on the PGA Tour since winning at Pebble Beach in 2019. He came third at the European Tour’s Saudi International a week ago. While not at his best on Sunday, Mickelson said it was not because of a lack of self-belief.
“My focus was really sharp today,” he said. “I just didn’t execute and we had a few misjudgements of the wind.”
Reuters
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