It was the kind of weekend I watch golf for. Phil Mickelson, who has largely been leaving fans wondering if he could recapture his magic, started the weekend shooting 8 under for his lowest round in nearly three years. His 63 edged out Scott McCarron by one stroke into day two, with Andres Romero, KJ Choi, Dustin Johnson, Luke Donald, Dean Wilson, John Merrick, and Jim Furyk all tied at third with 66.
On day two, 42 year old former Longhorn Bob Estes was the story of the day, putting up 65 and putting in a bid to be a contender. The leaders, however, shot unremarkable rounds. Andres Romero and Dustin Johnson shot 70. Jim Furyk and John Merrick shot 71. Phil Mickelson and Dean Wilson both shot one over par, to put up 72. 43 year old Scott McCarron shot 68 to end his day with a two stroke lead.
On day three, however, the fire seemed to return to Mickelson when he shot -11, two strokes from his all time career low. Andres Romero and Fred Couples both shot 65 for second and third, respectively. Rory Sabbatini and KJ Choi shot 67 for tie with Couples for third, along with McCarron, who shot 70. Going into Sunday, it seemed many would be making their cases to win.
Mickelson shot an eagle for his first hole in the final round. But then, the door seemed wide open when he shot five bogeys through hole 14, and the remainder being only par. Steve Stricker shot six birdies and one bogey into his final hole. When he bogeyed hole 18, it left just enough room for Lefty to get it right, with birdies on 16 and 17, to save par on 18 and win the tournament.
On the Champions Tour, it looked like Don Pooley may go into the final round with a comfortable lead. In a startling turn of events, he three putted for bogey on hole 17, then hitting a ball into the water for a double bogey on 18. He ended Saturday tied with Loren Roberts and James Mason behind Gene Jones, in a one stroke lead. In the final round, Loren Roberts shot -4 for the win, Gene Jones -2 for second, and Ben Crenshaw -4 for third with Don Pooley, James Mason and Bernhard Langer.
THP will join the LPGA, Nationwide Tour and Duramed Futures Tour as they continue or begin play in the coming weeks.
