Skip to content

Comeback Kim makes his point

Image: Mickelson and Kim: impressive pairing

Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim battled back from three down for the second time on day one - but in the afternoon they went one better.

Latest Golf Stories

Americans overturn another big deficit

Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim battled back from three down for the second time on day one - but in the afternoon they went one better. The three-time major champion and the rookie earned a half against Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson in the morning foursomes. Then they teamed up again to beat Harrington and Graeme McDowell one up, after again overcoming an early deficit. The Europeans were three up after four before Mickelson and Kim fought back, winning five and six with birdies. McDowell and Mickelson exchanged birdies but Europe still led by a hole on the 12th. Cue a brilliant spurt from Mickelson. He hit a magnificent approach at 12 to three feet, only for Harrington to match his birdie with a 20-foot putt. But 'Lefty' did win the 13th after a superb shot from a fairway bunker. It was then rookie Kim's turn to contribute as he fired to six feet at the par three 14th and holed the putt to put the Americans ahead for the first time. Back came Europe as McDowell made his 12-foot birdie putt on 15 and Mickelson then missed his from eight feet. But the 17th proved crucial as Mickelson drained a 25-foot birdie putt after putting his drive in the trees. There was a final chance for McDowell on 18 to earn a half, but his 15-foot birdie putt drifted wide and the comeback win was complete.