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Agence France-Presse

Phil Mickelson could wind up playing his way into the Ryder Cup as well as golf history with a victory on Sunday at the PGA Championship on blustery Kiawah Island.
The 50-year-old US left-hander fired a two-under par 70 on Saturday to grab a one-stroke lead over Brooks Koepka heading into the final round at the formidable Ocean Course.
And while Mickelson’s 2021 form has not been strong, US Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker says the similarities between Whistling Straits, where the US-Europe showdown will be played in September, and Kiawah could boost a winner’s cause for a captain’s pick.
“You could put a pretty good amount of weight on this week because this is really similar to Whistling Straits,” Stricker said. “We’ve got wind, we’ve got links style but not really links style golf, which is similar to Whistling Straits.
Phil Mickelson on how a bad diet led to him developing arthritis and how his new regime is paying off
“We’ll look at who played well here this week for sure because this is a telltale for Whistling Straits.”
Mickelson has played on every US Ryder Cup team since making his debut in 1995, winning three times.


“It’s impressive when you’ve got a 50-year-old leading,” Stricker said. “But he’s a special player. He’s one of the greatest players in the history of the game, he has kept his health and his flexibility, and he still hits it long enough to compete.
“He still has a tremendous amount of desire to compete at this level and that’s why he’s playing well.”
A Ryder Cup without fans almost a ‘yawner’, says US captain Steve Stricker
Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth says he never watches golf on television but would to see Phil.
“It’s Phil. It’s theatre. I don’t watch golf but I promise you I’m going to turn it on to watch him,” Spieth said. “It’s pretty incredible.
“The guy has got four good rounds on any golf course in him, and no one would bet against that.”
Irishman Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion, marvels at Mickelson’s success this week.
“Wow, it’s an unbelievable story so far,” Lowry said. “Who knows if he’ll hold on or not or he’ll go on and win, but it’s fairly incredible what he’s doing. So fair play to him.”
American Joel Dahmen says he’d be surprised to see Mickelson pull it off.
“I’m rooting for him. It would be an incredible story,” he said. “It’s going to be tough. I’m rooting for him, but I’d be impressed if it did.”

To American Charley Hoffman, Mickelson turning back the clock proves an old adage.
“Age is just a number,” he said. “Phil works harder than anybody. He plays more holes than anybody. He practices harder than anybody.
“Phil is one of the best players to ever play the game. It doesn’t surprise me.”
American Gary Woodland, the 2019 US Open champion, said he gives hope of a long career to every rival he faces.
“Any time Phil shows up, you appreciate what he’s doing,” Woodland said. “He’s phenomenal. He’s entertaining. And what he’s doing, that gives everybody hope. I want to play this game for a long time.
“What he’s doing right now, coming out and beating up on the other guys on this golf course, it’s very impressive.”


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PGA Championship

PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson brings thrills and with Kiawah win might land Ryder Cup spot

Phil Mickelson leads the PGA Championship going into the final round at Kiawah Island Resort’s Ocean Course. Photo: AFP

KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 22: Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Phil Mickelson of the United States fist bump on the 18th green during the third round of the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort's Ocean Course on May 22, 2021 in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

American Jason Kokrak captures first PGA Tour victory at CJ Cup

Jason Kokrak lines up a putt during the final round of the CJ Cup, which he won. Photo: AP

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Collin Morikawa reacts as the top of the Wanamaker Trophy falls after winning the PGA Championship. Photo: AP

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Rory McIlroy is one of the high profile players who urged the PGA to push the tournaments back. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

(FILES) In this file photo taken on August 16, 2006, two shadows of grounds crew are seen on the wall near the PGA logo during practice for the 2006 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois. - US golf industry leaders unveiled a three-stage plan Tuesday to reopen courses with safety protocols in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Almost all states permit or are set to allow golf courses to reopen with social distancing and other measures aimed at avoiding the spread of the deadly virus over more than 16,000 layouts. The "Back2Golf" program, supported by the PGA and LPGA Tours plus the US Golf Association and PGA of America, also has the backing of US course owners and superintendents and club managers. (Photo by Stuart Franklin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

Sport

Golf


US Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker says the similarities between Whistling Straits and Kiawah could boost a winner’s cause for a captain’s pick



US Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker says the similarities between Whistling Straits and Kiawah could boost a winner’s cause for a captain’s pick.


PGA Tour

Ryder Cup