Mahan Wins Bridgestone As Mickelson Crumbles
Hunter Mahan hit a final round 6-under 64 to earn a two-shot victory at the Bridgestone International in Ohio.
He finished on 12 under par, ahead of Ryan Palmer, with Retief Goosen and Bo Van Pelt a shot further back. Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington ended the competition seven shots off the lead, both at five under par.
World number one Tiger Woods had a wretched final round of 77, ending on 18 over par, his worst ever showing over 72 holes, even as an amateur. He beat only one player in the 80-player field, posting his worst ever finish by ending the tournament in a tie for 78th.
Rival Phil Mickelson, who would have taken the world number one spot if he’d finished in the top four, hit a disastrous final round 78, meaning he ended tied for 46th spot on 3 over par.
“It was a rough day,” said Mickelson after his disappointing final round, “I felt pretty good today. I felt good on the range, I hit some good shots. I felt like I was sharp and ready to go attack the golf course and make some birdies. And it just didn’t happen. I don’t know what to say.”
Frustrated at not claiming the number one spot from Woods, he added, “If I keep finishing ahead of him every week eventually it’ll happen, but the problem is there’s guys behind me that will pass me because I’m not playing well enough right now,” Mickelson said. “I’ve got some work to do to get my own game sharp.”
Woods was no more optimistic about his own performance, saying, “Shooting 18-over par is not fun. I don’t see how it can be fun shooting 18 over.” It was the first time he has shot over par in all four rounds since the 2003 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. He made bogey or worse on 25 of the 72 holes.
On the question of whether he should even be picked for the Ryder Cup team, Woods said, “I wouldn’t help the team if I’m playing like this. No one would help the team if they’re shooting 18 over par.”
Mahan, 28, was in far more buoyant mood. He said of his victory, “I felt great, I knew I had a chance and to not make any bogeys on a Sunday gives you a great chance to win. On the final few holes I just told myself to make pars, I didn’t want to open the door to anyone. The best players in the world are out here, it’s a beautiful golf course and it means a lot to me. It feels great, I knew I had it in me but to do it feels unbelievable.”
Victory has also seen him earn Ryder Cup selection, something he called a “huge honour”.It was his second victory of the year, having also won the Phoenix Open.
