Phil Mickelson carded a final round 70 to win the Northern Trust Open by two shots at Riviera Country Club on Sunday.
Quinney gifts victory to 'Lefty'
Phil Mickelson carded a final round 70 to win the Northern Trust Open by two shots at Riviera Country Club.
A leader by one overnight, Mickelson was overtaken by playing partner Jeff Quinney after the youngster rattled off a string of birdies, but after picking up shots on 10 and 11 they were tied for the lead.
But although Mickelson played the last seven holes in one over par, Quinney had three successive bogeys from the 13th and another at the penultimate hole to gift victory to the world number two.
Success at 'Hogan's Alley' is a memorable one for Mickelson, who was winning what used to be known as the LA Open for the first time after losing in a play-off to Charles Howell 12 months ago.
"The names that are on this trophy are pretty cool and bring up an element of history to this tournament," reflected the 37-year-old. "The fact that Hogan and Snead and Nelson are on here, I think that's really cool.
Greatest holes
"Riviera is a special place and a fun, challenging golf course that's withstood the test of time. It has some of the greatest holes on the PGA Tour and it's fun to play well here, because early in my career I did not.
"Last year was really the first year I played well here and to break through with a victory feels terrific. I have wanted to win this for such a long time."
With Quinney four ahead of the chasing pack overnight, none of the other players were able to pressurize the leaders and it was left to European duo Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington to battle their way into a tie for third with rounds of 68.
The former was particularly pleased on his belated return to action in 2008.
"It's my first event on the PGA Tour and to come out and to play solidly all week, it's very encouraging," Donald said.
"It's just showing the work I've been doing over the off season is starting to pay off."
Quinney, who had several top-10 finishes in his rookie season without winning, admitted he was 'proud' despite seeing a possible victory slip by.
"I wanted to win but I definitely think I'm going to get there soon," he said after signing for a 71. It's just a matter of when, not if. I'm just going to keep moving forward.
"It's been quite a week and I've experienced a lot of up and downs. Playing with Phil, the best player here, and hanging with him all 36 holes on the weekend, I was pretty proud of myself.
"Second place is a big cheque this week so I know it secures my job and it's just going to give me that much more confidence for the rest of the year."
