Howell III takes Nissan Open
The in-form Charles Howell III raced to the top of the FedEx Cup standings on Sunday after a dramatic play-off victory over Phil Mickelson in the Nissan Open.
Charles Howell III fired a final round of 65 to reel in long-time leader Phil Mickelson on the final day of the Nissan Open at the Riviera Country Club in California ? and then defeated his fellow American in a play-off at the third extra hole.
The 27 year-old from Augusta, claiming his second career PGA Tour title, climbed to the top of the FedEx Cup standings as a result of this win and strong early-season form which also includes two second place finishes.
Mickelson was hoping for back-to-back victories after his success in last week's Pebble Beach Pro Am, but after leading for the best part of three days he made a costly bogey on the 72nd hole that led to the play-off. Howell, who had endured 10 agonising second-place finishes since his win in 2002, made a par on the third extra hole ? the par-3 14th ? while Mickelson could only register a bogey.
"I'm delighted to have finally won again, it's been a long time," said Howell.
"I said a little prayer when I stood over that last putt. I thought it might finally be my time."
Mickelson had started the final day with a one-stroke lead over Ireland's Padraig Harrington, but ultimately suffered a day to forget.
"I felt like I had the tournament in my grasp and I let it go," he reflected.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"I had every chance on the back nine to get some seperation between myself and the rest of the field, to not give them a chance. I couldn't do it."
South Africa's Ernie Els, Jim Furyk of the USA and Australia's Robert Allenby tied for third place on -13. Spain's Sergio Garcia found himself next in the field on -11, while Harrington struggled to a final round of 73 and seventh place.
NISSAN OPEN - LEADING SCORES
Riviera CC, California
1. C Howell III (USA) -16* (won in play-off)
1. P Mickelson (USA) - 16
T3. E Els (RSA) -13
T3. J Furyk (USA) -13
T3. R Allenby (Aus) -13
6. S Garcia (Spa) - 11
7. P Harrington (Ire) -10
-
Nelly Korda's Fifth Straight Win Helps NBC Record Most-Watched Chevron Championship In Over A Decade
There was a peak TV audience of almost two million on Sunday evening as Korda picked up the second Major of her career
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Ecco Biom C4 Shoe vs Ecco LT1 Shoe: Read Our Head-To-Head Verdict
How do two of the best shoes from Ecco stack up against each other? Find out in this head to head
By Dan Parker Published