Hanson holds nerves to lead Mickelson by 1 shot
Source: Agencies |
April 9, 2012, Monday
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PHIL Mickelson stormed up the Masters leaderboard on Saturday to finish within a shot of surprise third-round leader Peter Hanson of Sweden and restore some sense of normality to the first major of the year.
Mickelson produced a dazzling display of shot-making and nerveless putting in a flawless 6-under 66 on a day when Rory McIlroy relived his worst nightmare and Tiger Woods faded out of contention.
The left-handed American, a three-time Masters champion, was at 8-under for the tournament and breathing down the neck of Hanson, who birdied the last two holes for a 65, the best round of the tournament.
"I love it here and I love nothing more than being in the last group on Sunday at the Masters. It's the greatest thing in professional golf," said Mickelson.
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, the runaway winner of the 2010 British Open, put himself in the frame for a second major with a 69 to be third at 7-under while American Bubba Watson (70) was a further shot back.
Saturday is traditionally known as 'Moving Day' and, more than any other tournament, the intense pressure of the Masters brings out the best and worst in every golfer.
While the leaders were thriving, McIlroy and Woods both walked off the 18th dejected and frustrated.
Game collapsed
McIlroy began the day in a tie for third but for the second consecutive year at Augusta National the Northern Irishman's game collapsed and he tumbled down the leaderboard.
Eight different players, including Britain's Lee Westwood, American Matt Kuchar and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, had a share of the lead at various stages during the round, but McIlroy was never in the hunt.
After starting the day one-shot behind overnight American leaders Fred Couples and Jason Dufner, McIlroy shot a 5-over 77, that included two double-bogeys, to end at 1 over.
He took 42 shots for the front nine, rekindling memories of last year when he held a four-shot lead at the start of the final day but closed with an 80.
"Seems like every year I come here I throw a bad nine holes out there," the world No. 2 said.
A frustrated Woods failed to make up any ground on the leaders and was in danger of his worst finish at the Masters since he turned professional.
Needing to shoot a low score to get back into contention, the four-time champion could only manage an even-par 72 to remain at 3 over.
On the 13th tee, he slammed his club into the ground after hooking his drive into the banks of Rae's Creek. On the previous day, he kicked one of his irons after missing a green, but said he was sorry for his petulant behavior. "Certainly I'm frustrated at times and I apologize if I offended anybody by that," the American said.
Mickelson produced a dazzling display of shot-making and nerveless putting in a flawless 6-under 66 on a day when Rory McIlroy relived his worst nightmare and Tiger Woods faded out of contention.
The left-handed American, a three-time Masters champion, was at 8-under for the tournament and breathing down the neck of Hanson, who birdied the last two holes for a 65, the best round of the tournament.
"I love it here and I love nothing more than being in the last group on Sunday at the Masters. It's the greatest thing in professional golf," said Mickelson.
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, the runaway winner of the 2010 British Open, put himself in the frame for a second major with a 69 to be third at 7-under while American Bubba Watson (70) was a further shot back.
Saturday is traditionally known as 'Moving Day' and, more than any other tournament, the intense pressure of the Masters brings out the best and worst in every golfer.
While the leaders were thriving, McIlroy and Woods both walked off the 18th dejected and frustrated.
Game collapsed
McIlroy began the day in a tie for third but for the second consecutive year at Augusta National the Northern Irishman's game collapsed and he tumbled down the leaderboard.
Eight different players, including Britain's Lee Westwood, American Matt Kuchar and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, had a share of the lead at various stages during the round, but McIlroy was never in the hunt.
After starting the day one-shot behind overnight American leaders Fred Couples and Jason Dufner, McIlroy shot a 5-over 77, that included two double-bogeys, to end at 1 over.
He took 42 shots for the front nine, rekindling memories of last year when he held a four-shot lead at the start of the final day but closed with an 80.
"Seems like every year I come here I throw a bad nine holes out there," the world No. 2 said.
A frustrated Woods failed to make up any ground on the leaders and was in danger of his worst finish at the Masters since he turned professional.
Needing to shoot a low score to get back into contention, the four-time champion could only manage an even-par 72 to remain at 3 over.
On the 13th tee, he slammed his club into the ground after hooking his drive into the banks of Rae's Creek. On the previous day, he kicked one of his irons after missing a green, but said he was sorry for his petulant behavior. "Certainly I'm frustrated at times and I apologize if I offended anybody by that," the American said.
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