LA QUINTA, California — Phil Mickelson put 2003 — and his winless streak — behind him when he won for the first time in 18 months Sunday, beating Skip Kendall on the first playoff hole in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
Far more significant than Mickelson’s struggles with his game last year was a terrifying time when wife Amy and their son were in danger during childbirth.
They are both fine now, and Mickelson was eager to get 2004 off to a good start.
With Amy looking on, he confidently rolled in a 3-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole after finishing with a 4-under 68 to match Kendall at 30 under in the 90-hole tournament. Mickelson is heading for Scottsdale, Arizona, for this week’s PGA tournament, and he’s eager to be in contention when Sunday rolls around. Mickelson ran his record in playoffs to 6-1.
Kendall, who shot a 64 on the final day, was left looking for his first tour victory. He was runner-up for the fourth time in his career, losing three times in playoffs.
Kendall, playing in the group ahead of Mickelson, made a short birdie putt on 18, then Mickelson made a similar birdie putt to force the playoff.
They returned to the 18th tee to begin the playoff, and both hit their drives down the center. Kendall pulled his second shot into the left rough beside the green on the 543-yard par 5. Mickelson’s second shot went into the rough on the other side, but considerably closer to the hole.
Kendall chipped onto the putting surface, then missed his 20-foot birdie try. Mickelson’s chip left him the short putt, and he knocked it in for the victory, tipping his cap and smiling.
Jay Haas, 50, the 1988 tournament champion and runner-up to Mike Weir a year ago, finished third with a 67 that left him one shot behind Mickelson and Kendall.
Jonathan Kaye shot a 64 to finish fourth at 332.
Kirk Triplett, tied with Mickelson going into the final round and bogey-free in the tournament, had four bogeys and a double bogey in a 74 that left him six strokes back.
It was the 22nd tour victory for the 33-year-old Mickelson, who has yet to win a major.
Zoeller Rallies to Win Season-Opening MasterCard
In Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii, Fuzzy Zoeller was more excited about his new trophy for the MasterCard Championship than his $268,000 check.
“The money’s great, but this is history,” he said, holding his Waterford crystal prize. “This means more to a golfer than all the money in the world. It really does.”
Zoeller won the season-opening Champions Tour event on Sunday, birdieing the final three holes for an 8-under 64 and a one-stroke victory over 2003 winner Dana Quigley.
Zoeller was winless last year after taking the Senior PGA Championship in 2002.
Zoeller, third in the event last year, made an 18-foot birdie putt on the 54th hole to finish at 20-under 196.
Zoeller, Quigley, second-round leader Doug Tewell, and Craig Stadler jockeyed for position on the back nine until Quigley and Zoeller both birdied No. 17 to go up by a stroke.
