Mickelson Captures HSBC Champions

In the end, the final day turned into a showdown between two of the best golfers in the world.  Only it was Ernie Els, not Tiger Woods, battling Phil Mickelson for the HSBC Champions.  Right from the get-go Tiger seemed off his game, and his score of 72 was proof of that.  On the front nine Mickelson pulled away from his old foe, pulling ahead of Woods by six strokes, and finishing with a 3-under 69 on the day, good for 17-under and the win.

Phil Mickelson (Image: Zuma Press)

But after vanquishing Woods, “Lefty” had another challenger to contend with–South African Ernie Els.  After an impressive 30 on the front nine, Els snagged the outright lead on No. 14.

Mickelson, on this day anyway, was not to be denied.  After a risky flop shot left him with an 18-footer for par on No. 16, Mickelson made perhaps the finest putt of his season, dropping the par putt with ease.  A birdie on No. 17 followed, and Els’ bogey on No. 18 gave the win to “Lefty.”