Phil Mickelson wins Furyk & Friends title by 2 strokes

Phil Mickelson of the US
Phil Mickelson of the US
Image: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Mickelson won the Constellation Furyk and Friends event Sunday for his third victory in four events played on PGA Tour Champions.

Mickelson carded a four-under 68 in Jacksonville, Florida, and finished at 15 under, two shots better than Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain.

Mickelson, 51, opened his roller-coaster final round with three straight birdies before posting a double bogey on the par four fifth hole. He added three more birdies on the back nine at the Timuquana Country Club.

“It was a hard-fought battle. I really enjoyed it,” Mickelson said. “I'm enjoying playing out here and I need to work on a few things, like that mistake on No five, but I'm having fun doing it.”

Jimenez, who surged into contention with a 65 on Saturday, posted a bogey-free four-under 68 on Sunday to finish at 13 under.

Jimenez birdied Nos 13 and 14 to move into a tie with Mickelson, who retook the lead with a birdie at the 15th. Jimenez missed a tying birdie putt at No 17 and Mickelson birdied the par four 18th to take title.

“I've been playing solid, playing well,” Jimenez said. "... I was close. Then chance for birdie on 17, that's the game, you know? He's playing very well.”

Steve Flesch (71 on Sunday) finished third at 10 under. Tournament host Jim Furyk (69), Cameron Beckman (68) and SA's Ernie Els (71) tied for fourth place at nine under.

John Daly posted the day's lowest score with a seven-under 65, an eventful round featuring 10 birdies, one bogey and one double bogey. He finished at three under, in a tie for 31st.

Furyk founded the tournament to benefit his charity, the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation, and expanded it from a one-day pro-am to a regular tournament for the first time.

— Field Level Media

 

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