Phil Mickelson loses to Rickie Fowler in second round of Accenture Match Play
The great golf legend Phil Mickelson suffered from the worst defeat ever, as he was crushed by the young Rickie Fowler during the second round of Accenture Match Play in Arizona on Thursday. The first of the World Golf Championships taking place, Fowler
beat Mickelson 6 and 5. In the 11 years Mickelson has played the event, this has been by far the worst defeat.
It’s not mainly the fact that Mickelson was defeated, just the difference in age and experience of both the players really puts Fowler on an admired level. Fowler played brilliantly, showing his fierce competitive style. Last time Phil lost in the second
round was in 2005, as he was defeated by David Toms 4 and 2. During the second round, the 22-year-old Rickie made five birdies, one eagle, another conceded eagle and just one bogey in his charismatic round.
When asked about the eagles that really made his day, Fowler said,“Well, I don't really remember the exact numbers. I just -- both were 4-irons. I hit them both perfect, they looked really good in the air. One of them was a little bit into the wind, another
one was downwind, which was the last hole. Phil hit it in there, had a close look for birdie. And at the last he gave it to me. Two really good golf swings.”
As for Mickelson, he was fully aware of his mediocre performance. Starting off, Phil led early due to Rickie’s bogey on the third. Fowler came right back up with birdies on the fourth and fifth. Rickie tried to maintain his lead, as Mickelson slipped on
the ninth hole and made a bogey. By that time Phil was three down and Fowler won three more holes with the eagles and birdies. Fowler gave a tremendous performance, as he defeated Mickelson and moved on to the third round.
Rickie Fowler will face Matt Kuchar in the third round. It will be exciting to see how Fowler can carry his winning momentum into the next round of the tournament.
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