Phil Mickelson Claims Victory On PGA Tour Champions Debut

Phil Mickelson Claims Victory On PGA Tour Champions Debut

Phil Mickelson made a winning start on his PGA Tour Champions debut and, in the process, equalled the lowest score in PGA Tour Champions history for a 54-hole event.

The 50-year-old carded an eagle and five birdies in a final round 66 to claim a four shot victory over fellow countryman Tim Petrovic.

Final Round Overview

Starting the day with a four shot lead, Mickelson never seemed under any real pressure as he birdied two of the first four holes. The five-time Major Champion then carried on his aggressive play by driving the par four fifth and rolling in his 20 foot putt for eagle to extend his lead further. He would follow up the eagle with only his third bogey of the week at the sixth, before finishing his front nine with two birdies at eight and nine.

With a comfortable lead going into the back nine, Mickelson birdied the tenth before bogeying 14. The late bogey made no difference, however, as he cruised to a level par back nine and, with it, a four shot victory.

The win makes Mickelson just the 20th player to win on their debut on the over-50s circuit, with 191 shots played over the three days seeing him equal the lowest score in PGA Tour Champions history for a 54-hole event. The American is now set to tee it up at the Safeway Open, the first event of the 2020-21 PGA Tour season from September 10-13. He’ll then be heading to Winged Foot the following week for the US Open and another chance to complete the career Grand Slam.

Notable Finishes

Tim Petrovic had one of his best ever career finishes this week, finishing solo second behind Mickelson. American Kevin Sutherland produced the round of the day with an eight under 63. The score put him one ahead of Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.

Steve Stricker carried on his great form by finishing in a tie for fifth with fellow American Rocco Mediate, with Ernie Els and Korean K.J. Choi finishing a further shot back. Schwab Cup leader Bernhard Langer ended in a tie for 20^th, while former PGA Champion Rich Beem, making his debut after turning 50 on Monday, carded a closing 70 to claim a share of 70^th place.

24 birdies and an eagle. Taking this one home with me ? pic.twitter.com/hY6dEFc0gT

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) August 26, 2020

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