Mickelson rallies to win HSBC Champions
Associated Press
SHANGHAI — Phil Mickelson has won the HSBC Champions by rallying past a familiar foe, only it wasn’t Tiger Woods.
Mickelson made two clutch putts down the stretch Sunday and closed with a 3-under 69 to overcome a late charge by Ernie Els, who was in the lead until hitting into the water on the last hole and making bogey. Els finished with a 63.
Mickelson won his first major at the 2004 Masters with a final birdie to defeat Els.
Woods was never a factor in the final World Golf Championship of the year. He fell six shots behind on the front nine and did well to stay on the leaderboard the rest of the way. He closed with a 72 and finished five shots back.
Mickelson won his second WGC event of the year, and won for the first time when playing with Woods in the final group.