Mickelson goes back-to-back at Rivieria
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2009 Northern Trust Open | Round Four | 23 Feb 2009
Phil Mickelson has successfully defended his title at the Northern Trust Open, on what was a drama packed final day at the Riviera Country Club. The 38-year-old fought back after falling behind with a series bogeys in his final round to win by one over Steve Stricker and by two over K.J. Choi, Andres Romero and Fred Couples.
Mickelson started the final day with a four shot lead and the outcome appeared to be a fait accompli when he holed from 40 feet at the 1st for eagle. His lead was such that it was hard to imagine anyone catching him but bogeys at the 2nd and 3rd holes, followed by another at the 7th changed the complexion of the tournament.
Steve Stricker was the one making the most significant challenge to Mickelson and when he birdied the 11th and 12th to move to 15 under he had joined Mickelson in the lead. When Mickelson bogeyed 12th and the 14th, Stricker had moved two in front but Mickelson found a away to claw his way back into the tournament with birdies at the 16th and 17th to move one ahead of Stricker who bogeyed the final hole to fall behind.
Mickelson missed the green right with his approach but his putt from the fringe finished 6 feet from the hole and he made it to successfully defend.
“Something that was important to me was standing on AT&T two years ago I had a one shot lead, drove it in the rough and made a bogey,” said Mickelson after his round. “I stood out there today, hit 3-wood, put it in the middle of the fairway, 6-iron just out on the fringe and was able to two-putt for par. That meant a lot to be able to put that tee shot on the fairway.”
“It showed it gives me confidence and something to build on for the rest of the year. Even when I didn’t have my best stuff I was able to fight through it. I thought that meant a lot to me.”
Fred Couples was playing in the final group with Mickelson and Romero and still had a chance at the last to force the issue if he could make birdie. He took bogey and finished two behind in a share of third with Romero and Choi.
Robert Allenby, in just his second start of 2009, was the best of the Australians on a golf course where he has won previously. Allenby finished 17th, Geoff Ogilvy 30th, Aaron Baddeley 51st and Stuart Appleby 64th.
The PGA Tour heads to Arizona for this week’s Accenture Match Play and for those who are not qualified the PGA Tour heads off to the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico.
