Phil Mickelson | featured news

Back-to-back birdies on Amen Corner help give him a two-shot lead over Lee Westwood and Anthony Kim heading to the final holes.

Phil Mickelson kept yanking balls into the trees, and even had an unexpected brush with nature right on the green.

Phil Mickelson has never backed away from controversy, and he knew his decision to use his wedge might cause a stir. He just didn’t want this to dominate news of his debut on the PGA Tour, even though it has done just that.

Phil Mickelson won the HSBC Champions on Sunday by rallying against a familiar foe. Only it wasn't Tiger Woods. Mickelson made an 18-footer to save par on the 16th after whiffing on a flop shot, then holed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 17th to close with a 3-under 69 and overcome a late charge by Ernie Els, who was in the lead until hitting into the water and making bogey on the final hole.

Phil Mickelson was unwinding from a day of high energy and quick turnarounds, one that took him from a two-shot deficit against Tiger Woods to a two-shot lead over the final eight holes Saturday in the HSBC Champions.

In a riveting conclusion to golf's regular season, its two biggest stars shared the stage. Phil Mickelson capped off a tumultuous summer at home with a spectacular rally to win the Tour Championship, while Tiger Woods finished another big year by winning the FedEx Cup and its $10 million bonus.

His only birdie in his final round comes at No. 16, and that's the difference. Mickelson, Barnes and Duval finish two strokes back in second. In a final hour packed with emotion, Lucas Glover played a steady hand to win the U.S. Open.

Phil Mickelson surges to a dramatic comeback while Tiger Woods continues to struggle.