February 7 -- After birdies on the eighth, ninth, and 11th holes and a four-shot lead over Dustin Johnson and Luke Donald after 11 in the final round of the Northern Trust Open, Steve Stricker was on his way to wresting the world’s number two slot from a struggling Phil Mickelson.
Stricker will take over the second position in the world rankings -- behind the absent Tiger Woods -- if he wins this week’s PGA Tour event and Mickelson ends up outside the top five.
Mickelson’s 2-over for the day after 17 holes put him 15 strokes back of Stricker and in a tie for 43rd. Mickelson carded three consecutive bogeys on holes 14 though 16 before making his third birdie of the day on the 17th..
Struggling Mickelson. This is the second straight tourney in which Mickelson has struggled to the finish line -- each time after conferring with his coaches, Dave Stockton and Butch Harmon.
“I had a good conversation with Butch and Dave Stockton last night, and I think it settled in today,” Mickelson told reporters after shooting a 66 in the second round on Friday. “I was able to make the last adjustment and it felt great. I hit the ball much better and putted much better.”
Intense practice. At last week’s Farmers Insurance Open, Mickelson flew Harmon across country from Orlando, FL, for an extended practice session before tackling the final round at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA. Mickelson finished with a 1-over 73 Sunday and 8-under for the tourney, five shots back of winner Ben Crane.
Perhaps the current Number Two will put that controversial Ping Eye2 wedge back in his bag for the next tourney.
New England on tour. New England golfers Brett Quigley and J.J. Henry had problems this week. Each was at 2-over well into their final rounds on Sunday.
Did you hear that TIger Woods will reappear in March from his self-imposed hiatus from golf and the world? Read about TMZ’s latest rumor about where and when Woods will emerge from seclusion.
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