ONE SHOT SHORT

Nick Watney takes Phil Mickelson to the wire, loses by one shot at World Golf Championships

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer

DORAL, Fl. – Former Fresno State All-American Nick Watney eyeballed his putt on the fringe on 18. Make it, and possibly force a playoff with one of the greatest golfers of all-time, Phil Mickelson.

Nice stroke and right on target.

But less than an inch short.

Watney hid his face in his cap in disbelief, then watched Mickelson seal the deal for the first win of his career in a World Golf Championship event. Nick finished at 18-under 270, Mickelson 19-under 269. It’s the biggest payday in Lefty’s career, taking home $1.4 million dollars at the CA Championship. Watney earned $840,000. Not a bad consolation prize.

“I’ll get over this,” Watney said. “It’s a positive week. I played really well. Beat 78 of the best players in the world. Beat Tiger, which is always good. I’m very pleased with the way I’m playing.”

The aforementioned Tiger Woods finished tied for 9th at -11.

It looked like Watney gained the momentum advantage after an incredible save on the par-3 9th. Near the grandstand and up a slope with only the flag as his guide, Watney’s pitch landed shy of the green and rolled into the cup for a birdie. He Tiger-pumped his fist, just one shot back. It was the shot of the tournament, one that even Mickelson applauded.

Watney then nailed an eagle putt on ten to catch Mickelson at -20, but bogeyed the next two holes. Mickelson made par on 11 and bogeyed 12, but kept a one shot lead for the rest of the tournament.

There were seven lead changes between the two. Mickelson was treated for heat exhaustion and mild dehydration last night, but had the strength to endure the Florida heat and Watney being hot on his tail all day.

Mickelson moves into second place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Watney is third.

Watney will play next week at the Transitions Championship in Tampa Bay, Fl.

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