Phil Mickelson upstages Tiger Woods to seal victory at Pebble Beach

Phil Mickelson won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California for the fourth time last night to deny playing partner Tiger Woods a chance of his first official PGA Tour victory in over two years.

Leading man: Phil Mickelson sealed victory over his rival at Pebble Beach .

The 41-year-old American fired a flawless final round of eight-under-par 64 for a 17-under total of 269, winning by two strokes and ending the hopes of Woods, who closed with a three-over 75 which included five bogeys.

“It feels amazing,” Mickelson said. “Hopefully this is one of a few I will win this year because I am starting to feel pretty good.”

Third-round leader Charlie Wi, of South Korea, was second after shooting a even-par 72 to finish on 271.

Mickelson saw off Woods by getting off to a quick start with a superb opening stretch of one eagle and three birdies in his first six holes – as part of a stunning outward nine of five-under 31 – and then saving par twice by sinking two monster putts on the back nine.

Mickelson, who got off to a rocky start this season, picked up $1.15 million (£728,919) in first-place prize money in posting his 40th career PGA triumph and first victory since the Houston Open 10 months ago.

It was the 30th time the two US golfing giants have gone head-to-head, with Mickelson now 5-0 against Woods in their last five meetings in a final round. Overall they are even at 13-13-4 in head-to-head contests.
Woods worked hard all week to get himself into contention then had another chance yesterday where he could not close the door. “It is frustrating,” Woods said. “I had a chance. All I needed was to get off to a good start today and I didn’t do that.”
Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/tigerwoods/9078125/Phil-Mickelson-upstages-Tiger-Woods-to-seal-victory-at-Pebble-Beach.html