Mickelson hits every fairway for first time in two decades
SAN FRANCISCO: Phil Mickelson on Thursday did something he had not managed in more than two decades when he hit every fairway in the first round at the Pebble Beach Pro-am in northern California. The accurate driving helped the five-times major champion to a six-under-par 65 at Monterey Peninsula, one of three courses used.
Mickelson trailed American leaders Brian Gay and Scott Langley, who also played at Monterey, by one stroke. “I think history was made as far as my career. I don’t think I’ve ever done that before, certainly not in competition, so that was a bit milestone for me,” said Mickelson, who could be excused for his fading memory.
The last time he hit every fairway in a PGA Tour event was at Torrey Pines back in 1998, according to the Tour.
It was not just Mickelson’s driver that was working.
“I putted very well, too,” said the lefthander.
“My speed was off. I ran a number of putts by but I made a lot of them coming back and made a lot of short ones.
“I was even through five holes and then I made a nice little run. This was a day we had great weather, courses were very ‘scoreable’, so you needed to take advantage of that.”
Pebble Beach is a happy hunting ground for the 48-year-old, who has won the event four times. Most of the good scores came at Monterey Peninsula, which yielded a lower average than Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.