The final round of the Northern Trust Open was a 2-man race to the finish between Phil "The Thrill" Mickelson and Jeff Quinney. The duo, both graduates of Arizona State University, played together for the first time on tour. In fact, Mickelson served as Quinney's mentor earlier in Jeff's professional career. The heavy winds, which frustrated golfers all week, were largely absent on Sunday, but Riveria still played rough and tough. Mickelson carded a final round 70, good for 12-under par, two strokes clear of Quinney for Phil's 33rd win on tour.
Mickelson has been plagued with poor putting this year, but after a lesson with L.P.G.A. hall of famer Amy Alcott earlier in the week along with changing his golf ball and putter inserts, he triumphed at Riviera for the first time in his career. British Open champ Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald tied for third, each shooting 68 ahead of Scott Verplank and Ryuji Imada. Quinney who stayed close to Phil through the first 9, faltered on the back side in search of his first victory.
Quinney, who recorded a hole-in-one on Saturday, won the U.S. Amateur in 2000. On his way to victory in the Amateur, Quinney defeated Lucas Glover, Jonathon Byrd, David Eger, and James Driscoll. That's a pretty impressive route through the amateur bracket.
Next week is the Accenture Match Play Championship, featuring the top 64 players in the world, as well as the return of Tiger Woods. I can hardly wait....how many hours until Wednesday?
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