Mickelson after sizzling 65: 'I had so much fun today'
Phil Mickelson is no stranger to momentous days at Augusta National, and he can add Sunday to his list of career achievements at the Masters.
The 52-year-old charged from the pack in the final round, firing an outrageous 7-under 65 to vault all the way into a tie for second. That made Mickelson the oldest player ever to finish in the top five at the Masters.
"I had so much fun today," Mickelson said, according to ASAP Sports. "To come out today and play the way I did and hit the shots when I needed, it's so much fun. I'm grateful to be a part of this tournament and to be here competing and then to play well, it means a lot."
Mickelson came to Augusta off a very disappointing run of golf, with zero top fives in any events worldwide since his shocking win at the 2021 PGA Championship. That run comes despite him now plying his trade in 48-man LIV Golf events.
Mickelson was still full off confidence after the opening two rounds left him at 4-under for the championship.
"I'm close to going on a tear," Mickelson said after his second-round 69, according to Nick Dimengo of Golf.com. "Even though the scores haven't shown it, I'm hitting so many good shots. Pretty soon I'm going to have a really low one."
His prediction would prove true just two rounds later, with Mickelson attacking a scoreable Augusta National to put a charge into the patrons. He made eight birdies on the day, capped by almost holing his approach for eagle on No. 17 and a slick birdie putt at the last.
It's certainly a great way to end the week for Mickelson - his first back at the event since he skipped the tournament last year in the wake of his controversial comments about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.
He confirmed after his round Sunday that he will be playing in the PGA Championship next month at Oak Hill - a year after skipping the event in Tulsa. Mickelson is hopeful he can build on Sunday's performance for the rest of his season.
"Today is hopefully a stepping stone to really kick start the rest of the year and continue some great play because I have a unique opportunity," Mickelson said. "At 52, no physical injuries, no physical problems, being able to swing a club the way I want to, to do things in the game that not many people have had a chance to do later in life."