The second ranked best player in the world, Phil Mickelson, was finally able to capitalize on Tiger Wood’s absence, but it was far from easy. Mickelson must like the dramatics as, he was just able to inch Rod Pampling, and Tim Clack with a birdie on 18th to win the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial by a mere stroke. Sunday’s win marked Mickelson’s 34th victory on Tour, and his second Crowne Plaza Invitational title in 8 years (last one came in 2000). Fine odds-makers at BodogLife.com had the best odds to win the Crowne Plaza Invitational, as Phil Mickelson was the frontrunner with 9 - 1 odds on favorite, to win at Fort Worth, Texas.

At the start of the final round on Sunday, Mickelson had a slim one-stroke lead over the rest of the field in the final pairing. As he had done the day before in the 3rd round, Mickelson fell behind before regaining the lead. Going into the back nine, Phil Mickelson trailed Tim Clark and Rod Pampling by two strokes. After making the turn however, something changed.

With a one-shot lead on the 17th hole, Pampling hit a three wood off the tee way right. Pampling’s ball landed in a ditch, as he was hit with a penalty stroke. His next shot was a very difficult approach over the trees, but landing on the greenside bunker.

He was able to scramble, to make bogie, but the damage was done, as he had allowed Phil to draw to an even tie going into the final hole.

On the 18th hole, Mickelson decided to make things a bit more interesting as he sliced his tee shot well left, landing in the rough between some trees. Meanwhile, Pampling hit a drive right down the middle, putting himself in position to birdie or in the worse case scenario par the final hole.

Mickelson then calmly was able to get out of trouble, and put himself in a position to sink the winning birdie putt. Pampling went on to two-putt to par the hole, and finished tied for 2nd place with Tim Clark.  

---

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.