Mickelson helps U. S. take big lead
The Americans came within one match of winning the Presidents Cup — on Saturday.
Anirban Lahiri made two clutch birdies that only delayed the inevitable. This is a powerful U. S. team playing to its potential, and the result is the biggest blowout since these matches began in 1994.
Lahiri and Si Woo Kim delivered the only victory for the International team over two sessions at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, and the Americans poured it on. They had a 14 ½ - 3 ½ lead, needing only one point Sunday to retain the cup.
Phil Mickelson set a record with his 25th victory. Jordan Spieth’s best intentions cost him a hole in a ruling rarely seen in match play, though that didn’t matter in another point.
The 11- point margin was the largest ever going into 12 singles matches Sunday.
Rory McIlroy moved into contention at the British Masters in Newcastle- Upon- Tyne, England, by shooting a 6- under 64 in the third round, leaving the No. 6- ranked golfer two strokes off the lead held by Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.
Spain’s Belen Mozo will take a one- shot lead into the final round of the LPGA Tour’s New Zealand Women’s Open in Auckland after a 1- under 71 helped her hold off challenges from Brooke Henderson of Canada and American Brittany Lincicome.
Five- time PGA Tour winner Jonathan Byrd shot a 7- under 64 in rainy, windy conditions in Atlantic Beach, Florida, to take the third- round lead in the Web. com Tour Championship. Needing a high finish to regain his PGA Tour card, Byrd had a 20- under 193 total for a two- stroke lead over Sam Saunders.