Phil Mickelson leads final charge at La Quinta

Phil Mickelson continued to roll back the years on Saturday, when he carded a 6-under-par 66 to secure a two-shot lead after 54 holes at La Quinta.
Mickelson, who is on 22-under for the weekend, will start the final round alongside Canadian Adam Hadwin. Hadwin carded a 7-under-par 65 on moving day, propelling him to 20-under for the weekend.
The 2017 Valspar Champion drained four birdies on his walk back in. That was in addition to the three birdies that he carded on the front nine. Hadwin never recorded one blemish during Saturday’s round.
Mickelson split his birdies evenly between the front and back nine. The five-time Major champion last won at the WGC-Mexico last year – where he showed definite glimpses of the player he once was. Among those birdies was a 36-footer.
3️⃣6️⃣ feet. 😳@PhilMickelson‘s putt for birdie is a contender for #MustSeeMoments . pic.twitter.com/OkO4OvhEJN
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 20, 2019
He won that tournament in a play-off against Justin Thomas, which reinforced the perception that he knows how to close out a final round when the situation demands it. A gambling man or just an ordinary golf fan would fancy Mickelson’s prospects of closing this Desert Classic campaign out.
What a line by @PhilMickelson.
Aggressive. 😅 #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/KPhsEPxy9K
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 19, 2019
So, who else is in contention?
Adam Long is three strokes back, after smashing a 9-under-par 63 on moving day. It appears highly unlikely that he will be able to repeat those heroics on Sunday. Steve Marino is four strokes back.
Among the leading group, his was the least compelling third round, where he carded a 5-under-par 67.
Not your average bunker. 😱
Not your average bunker player. 👏@PhilMickelson is EIGHTEEN feet below the green here. pic.twitter.com/S4pSbT029K— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 19, 2019
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Injury rules Open champion Cameron Smith out of BMW Championship
The Australian world number two currently sits third in the FedEx Cup standings, 1,132 points behind leader Will Zalatoris.
-
PGA Tour
Will Zalatoris triumphs in dramatic playoff to claim first PGA Tour win
The American defeated Austria’s Sepp Straka in three extra holes at TPC Southwind – despite not making a birdie.
-
News
Ewen Ferguson seals wire-to-wire victory at ISPS Handa World Invitational
The 26-year-old Scot also won the Qatar Masters in March.
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.