Mickelson completes wire-to-wire finish at Phoenix Open

Scottsdale, AZ, United States (4E Sports) – Phil Mickelson fired a final-round 67 to complete a wire-to-wire finish at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, beating Brandt Snedeker by four strokes Sunday at TPC Scottsdale.

With the win, Mickelson became the first wire-to-wire winner in Phoenix since Steve Jones won in 1997. It was also the second wire-to-wire finish in 43 years.

Mickelson also earned a share of the tournament’s 72-hole scoring record with Mark Calcavecchia after shooting a 28-under but fell two strokes shy of the PGA Tour record set by Tommy Armour III in the 2003 Texas Open.

The win was the 41st of Mickelson’s World Golf Hall of Fame career and his third at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, tying him with Calcavecchia, Gene Littler and Arnold Palmer for the most all-time.

“It’s been a fun and special week and a challenging day, knowing I was going to have to make some birdies to keep pace with a charging Brandt Snedeker, and I was fortunate to hit some good shots on the back 9 and do what I had to do to win the tournament,” said Mickelson, who earned $1,116,000 from the victory.

Snedeker, who shot a final-round 65, came within three strokes off the lead when he birdied the 16h hole but bogeyed the 18th to settle for runner-up honors for the second straight week. He finished second to Tiger Woods at the Farmers Insurance Open.

“It was a ton of fun,” said Snedeker, who pocketed $ 669,600. “To be in the last group with Phil and kind of trade birdie for birdie and make up some ground was a lot of fun. It’s what we play for.”

Scott Piercy carded a 61 to finish third while Ryan Moore settled for fourth after a 65. Ryan Palmer closed with a 62 to finish fifth, nine strokes behind Mickelson.

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