Mickelson wins finale; Langer takes 6th Schwab Cup title
PHOENIX ( AP) — Phil Mickelson stood on the 18th green at Phoenix Country Club, a wide smile across his face as he held yet another PGA Tour Champions trophy.
Next to him was 64- year- old Bernhard Langer, grinning just as broadly as he hoisted the Charles Schwab Cup trophy at an age when most players are playing from the front tee boxes, not fighting for championships.
One ceremony, two champions with vastly different styles.
Mickelson birdied three of the final holes Sunday to win the season- ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, and Langer held on to win his sixth PGA Tour Champions season points title.
“It’s so fun for us to come back and play in front of everyone and then to come out on top here was a special week,” said Mickelson, who played collegiately at nearby Arizona State. “I want to congratulate Bernhard because he really is the gold standard for work ethic, discipline as well as talent and a great golf game. At 64, to win the season-long championship, that’s pretty impressive, pretty inspiring.”
For Mickelson, it’s always been about flash and creativity, pulling off shots few others would consider attempting. He did it through six major titles and 45 PGA Tour victories, and has kept it going on the senior circuit.
Mickelson was at his creative best at Phoenix Country Club, shooting a bogey-free 6-under 65 in the final round to join Jack Nicklaus as the only player to win four of his first six starts on the 50-and-over tour.
Lefty showed off his short-game skills to avoid bogeys and poured in six birdies in Sunday’s final round, the last an upand-down from short of the par-5 18th to reach 19 under.
“It’s been fun for me to play out here and see so many guys that I grew up and spent decades with life- long friends,” Mickelson said. “Then to play well and have some success is very meaningful.”
Langer made a name for himself with precision and toughness through a stellar career, winning two Masters and 64 times internationally. The German star became unstoppable once he turned 50, winning 11 major championships and 42 tournaments overall.