Phil Mickelson leading the Shell Houston Open – Golf Update
The 2010 reigning Masters Champion, Phil Mickelson, is tied for the lead of the Shell Houston Open on Saturday at the Redstone Golf Club. With just a week remaining for the Masters, Mickelson looks in a good position as he posted a 63 in the third round.
Mickelson is sharing the lead with fellow American player Scott Verplank at 13 under par 203.
Mickelson's 63 in the third round matched the course record, as his round consisted of nine birdies including three in his first four holes. In the opening day, Mickelson made 70’s which were not all that amazing. Before his third round, Mickelson said he
needs to score low in order to get in the lime-light and he surely did go low. On the sixth hole, Mickelson was about to face trouble, but he saved the shot with a par instead of a bogey.
The other leader, Verplank is doing well in the tournament despite suffering from type 1 diabetes, a debilitating shoulder, elbow and foot problems out of which some require surgery. Playing in the tournament, the Dallas native had his wrist wrapped up and
played some amazing golf while enduring pain. Verplank carded a consecutive 65 to match with Mickelson for the lead.
Verplank is actually suffering from degeneration of bone in his wrist, and is trying to play back-to-back tournaments for the first time since September. Last week, Verplank tied for 38th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The last time Verplank
won, was the EDS Byron Nelson Championship in 2007. Having an insulin pump all the time with him on the course, Verplank was also given the Ben Hogan award in 2002 for his passion and dedication to the sport.
As for Mickelson, it would be good for him to get a confidence booster a week before he goes out to defend his title.
“I knew that I was close game-wise but I hadn't been putting together the score. To get a good round like this means a lot,” said Mickelson. "Also to have the challenge of tomorrow, to be in contention, to be in the final group, have an opportunity to win,
I really enjoy that opportunity, that challenge, and I think it's good for me to be in that position heading into next week, too."
Many golfers have a belief that winning a tournament a week before a major is considered to be bad luck. However, Mickelson does not agree and thinks that people that talk about it feel that it may take the player’s energy away, but on the contrary, it mainly
helps a player to gain some winning momentum.
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