Phil Mickelson Could Become Oldest Major Championship Winner

Phil Mickelson could make history on Sunday at the 2021 PGA Championship. He’s 18 holes from setting a record that many people probably never thought they would see.

At 50 years and 11 months of age, Mickelson could become the oldest player to win a major championship title on Sunday if he can conquer the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island and a field that includes most of the world’s best players.

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Mickelson got out early on Saturday, breaking a tie with Louis Oosthuizen with birdies on the second and third holes. Lefty would add birdies on number six and number seven to lead by as many as four shots. He shot a 4-under par 32 on his first nine.

On the back nine, Mickelson looked as if he would keep pulling away from the field. He birdied the 10th hole to get to 5-under on his round and 10-under for the championship.

However, in true Mickelson style, he would get himself into trouble.

On the par-4 12th hole, Mickelson drove his ball into a bunker and was forced to pitch out. He got his third shot on the green but missed a 25-foot putt for par. It was his first bogey of the day.

Then on the 13th hole, Mickelson hit his drive into the water on the right. After a drop, his third shot got him back into the fairway. His fourth shot gave him a chance at a bogey but he missed the putt, suffering a double bogey and dropping to 7-under for the championship. Still, he held the lead.

Mickelson appeared ready to extend that lead on the par-3 14th hole. His tee shot was outstanding, leaving him about seven feet for birdie. But the putt lipped out and Mickelson stayed at 7-under par.

Lefty would close his round with four consecutive pars to shoot a 2-under par 70. He’s one shot ahead of Brooks Koepka with one round remaining.

Next. 2021 PGA Championship: Big Names Miss Cut at Kiawah Island. dark

On Sunday, Mickelson will be trying to become the oldest player to ever win a major. That record is currently held by Julius Boros, who won the 1968 PGA Championship at 48 years and four months of age. Mickelson is more than two years older than Boros was at that time. And, for a reference point, Mickelson was not born when Boros accomplished the feat.

It would make for a great story if Mickelson can pull it off. But he’s got 18 holes left against a tough course and a number of outstanding opponents.

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