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Mickelson eyes win, Pebble Beach history

3 minute read

Phil Mickelson will start the final round of the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach Pro-Am one shot behind the lead, hoping to win a record sixth title.

PHIL MICKELSON.
PHIL MICKELSON. Picture: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Phil Mickelson is hoping to erase 12 months of shocking form by earning a record sixth US PGA Tour victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Mickelson won last year's title on California's famed Monterey Peninsula but endured a horror run of results in 2019, failing to earn a top-10 worldwide until sharing third at last week's European Tour event in Saudi Arabia.

However, the five-time major champion booked his spot in the last group for Sunday's final round at Pebble Beach having finished the third round just one shot off the lead.

Canadian Nick Taylor (69) is the 54-hole leader at 17-under-par, with left-hander Mickelson (67) one back and Australia's Jason Day (70) third at 14 under.

Mickelson has won the event in 1998, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2019.

The 49-year-old is tied with Mark O'Meara for most victories at the celebrity-laden tournament.

"So at last year's (Masters) Champion's Dinner (at Augusta National) he brought it up, sure, and gave me a little ribbing for matching his record," Mickelson said of 1998 Masters winner O'Meara.

"But we're jumping ahead here. We got a lot of golf tomorrow."

Mickelson's grandfather, Alfred Santos, was one of the original caddies when Pebble Beach Golf Links opened in 1919.

"It's a special place," Mickelson said of the tournament which is played across the iconic Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club.

"I love the courses. Having that history here with my grandfather ... it has been a really a fun family experience."

Mickelson turns 50 in July and said a major motivation is trying to capture a 45th PGA Tour victory.

"What drives me is the challenge to win, compete and beat such great players in the game today," he said.

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