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Lefty Outduels Watney To Win At Doral

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The Associated Press

Published: March 15, 2009

DORAL - No longer the best player without a World Golf Championship, Phil Mickelson won a spirited duel at Doral on Sunday to win the CA Championship and put himself in position to reach No. 1 in the world.

Mickelson, taken to a hospital on the eve of the final round with heat exhaustion and dehydration, survived seven lead changes in 11 holes against Nick Watney before hanging on with seven pars for a 3-under-par 69 and a one-shot victory.

Mickelson won for the second time in three starts and moved to No. 2 in the world ranking, as close to Tiger Woods as he has ever been.

Four years ago, Mickelson lost a two-shot lead against Woods in a duel that ranks among the best ever at Doral.

Watney closed with a 2-under 70, holing an unlikely chip for birdie from behind the ninth green, then making an eagle on the 10th to pull into a tie for the lead. Needing a birdie on the 18th hole, which yielded only three in the final round, Watney thought his 30-footer was good until it stopped one turn away.

He pulled his cap over his face, and could only watch as Mickelson took two putts from 25 feet away for par and the victory.

"It took a lot out of me," said Mickelson, who sipped on energy drinks throughout the round. "I haven't eaten much in three days. I fought hard. I've been playing some of my best golf, and I'm very excited to have finished it off."

Jim Furyk shot 31 on the back nine for a 67 to finish alone in third.

Woods, in his first stroke-play event since winning the U.S. Open, closed with another 68 to finish eight shots behind in a tie for ninth.

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