PHIL MICKELSON

WGC – MEXICO CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER

WINNING SCORE: 16-under-par, 268. DEFEATED: Fellow American Justin Thomas on the first hole of sudden death. DEFINING MOMENTS: As overnight leader Shubhankar Sharma struggled on Sunday, Mickelson and Thomas emerged as two of the main contenders for the title alongside Tyrrell Hatton.

Fresh off a win the previous week, Thomas bogeyed the 17th before holing out for an eagle two at the 18th for a 64 and the clubhouse lead at 16-under-par. Mickelson responded quickly with birdies at the 15th and 16th holes to draw level, as did Hatton, who made four consecutive scores of three beginning at the 12th hole.

Mickelson parred his way in for a five-under final round and a playoff with Thomas, while Hatton’s par putt at the par-4 18th came up short to drop him to a tie for 3rd with Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Thomas missed the green long at the par-3 17th in sudden death and was unable to get up-and-down, handing Mickelson, who had already secured a two-putt par from 18-feet after nearly holing his birdie try, PGA Tour victory number 43. WITH THIS VICTORY… : • Mickelson claimed his first victory in almost five years, his previous win coming in 2013 at The Open. • ‘Lefty’ is now the oldest ever winner of a World Golf Championship event at 47 years, eight months, 16 days, removing Vijay Singh as the previous record holder. • The World Golf Hall of Fame member is now all but guaranteed a 12th consecutive Ryder Cup appearance at Le Golf National later this year.

“I NEEDED TO GET A WIN BEFORE AUGUSTA SO I WASN’T TRYING TO WIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR AND A HALF, FIVE YEARS AT THAT EVENT.” – PHIL MICKELSON