PHIL MICKELSON and TIGER WOODS both walked away with some nice trophies and a little more than loose change following the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
Mickelson produced an almost flawless final round to secure a three stroke victory over Woods at the $A8.66 million Tour Championship, while Woods received a $A11.55 million consolation prize for winning the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup, the season long points race.
Mickelson shot a brilliant five under par 65in the Tour, eclipsing four stroke overnight leader Kenny Perry.
Crazy Phil’s nine-under 271 clinched his third victory of the year, while Woods comparatively “plodded” a 70 to finish runner-up on six-under. “It feels great to have won,” Mickelson said after collecting $A1.56 million for his victory plus another $A3.47 million for finishing runner-up in the FedEx.
Golf has not been his primary focus this year, with both his wife and mother diagnosed with breast cancer. He says the prognosis for both is good.
“This wasn’t a banner year,” he said. “This makes it a better year than it was. It’s been a frustrating last few months. Long term, both Amy and my mother are going to be great.”
For Woods, he could celebrate six victories this year after coming back from knee surgery – but there was still something missing.
“To have played as well as I have and as consistent as I have is something I’m very proud of,” Woods said. ““I wish I could have got a major in there. Hopefully next year I can put it together at the right times.”
John Senden was the best of the Australians, with his final round 71 putting him equal 10th on even-par 280.
Geoff Ogilvy (70) was two shots further back and equal 16th, while Marc Leishman lost momentum and finished with a disappointing 78, coming home ahead of only one player at 12-over.