Mickelson ends title drought

Last updated: 4th February 2013

Phil Mickelson won the Phoenix Open by four shots on Sunday, his first victory in nearly a year.

The American led from start to finish, with an opening day 60 providing enough of a cushion to ensure that solid scoring in the remaining rounds was sufficient to bag his third Phoenix title.

Heading into Sunday's running with a six-shot lead, Mickelson was briefly troubled by the charge of Brandt Snedeker who notched up four birdies on the front nine, while Scott Piercy's magnificent 61 may have been enough to stage a remarkable comeback on another day. It was not to be though as Snedeker's 65 saw him finish four shorts adrift on 24 under, with Piercy a further shot back.

Mickelson began the day with a bogey at the second, but soon regained his composure by sinking birdies at the fourth and the seventh as he took the turn in 34. Further birdies at 13, 15 and 17 made sure that the chasing pack was kept at bay.

'Lefty' had a chance to break Mark Calcavecchia's tournament record by sinking a long-range putt on the final green but instead took the conservative approach, content to finish on 28 under.

The win keeps up Mickelson's record of having won every year for the past ten years. However, having claimed just two victories in 2012 (including a pro-am) and one in both 2011 and 2010, the world number 10 will be hoping a fast start to 2013 is a sign of things to come.

"It's an important one for me, because it's been a while since I won, been a while since I've been in contention," Mickelson said.

"I was certainly nervous heading into today. I think the thing I'm most excited about was the way I was able to regain control of my thoughts after a few shots early on that I didn't care for."