Mickelson seals record third BellSouth title

DULUTH, Georgia, Apr 3 (Reuters) Holder Phil Mickelson completed his US Masters preparations in winning style , coasting to a record third BellSouth Classic title by 13 shots at the TPC at Sugarloaf.

The American left-hander, eight strokes clear overnight, fired a seven-under-par 65 in bright sunshine to finish at 28-under 260 yesterday.

Champion in 2000 and again last year, Mickelson birdied three of the first six holes to stretch his lead to 10 before clinching the 28th PGA Tour title of his career in style with two more birdies and two eagles on his way to victory.

Mickelson also became the tournament's first repeat winner since compatriot Hale Irwin in 1977.

Irwin is among seven players who have triumphed twice at the BellSouth.

American Zach Johnson birdied the last four holes to close with a two-under-par 70 and a tie for second place with Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal (69) on 15-under 273.

Mickelson, who produced sparkling form all week from tee to green, broke the tournament record for 72 holes.

The previous mark was jointly held at 23-under 265 by American Andy Bean, in 1979, and Canada's Dave Barr, in 1987, both players doing so when the event was staged at Atlanta Country Club.

Chasing his first victory of the year, Mickelson made his first move at the par-three second, striking an iron off the tee to within six feet of the flag.

The twice major winner coolly rolled in the putt and picked up his second shot at the par-five fourth after reaching the green in two and two-putting.

A massive drive at the par-five sixth paved the way for his third birdie before he stumbled at the par-three eighth, finding the right greenside bunker off the tee and missing a five-footer to save par.

However, when playing partner and second-placed Jonathan Byrd bogeyed the par-four ninth to slip to 13 under, Mickelson's 10-shot lead was restored and the BellSouth crown was all but assured as he reached the turn in two-under-par 34.

He birdied the 10th and then eagled the par-four 13th after driving to within three feet of the hole before picking up another birdie at the 14th.

Mickelson bogeyed the 15th after his rhythm was upset by a rain delay but he put on a grandstand finish by reaching the green in two at the par-five 18th and holing out for an eagle.

Reuters PDS GC1000