While playing a round with friends at The Plantation Golf Club in California earlier this week, Phil Mickelson shot a course record 58 on the 7042 yard course. He broke the previous record of 61 set in 2002. After playing 18 holes in the morning, he decided to play another nine after stopping for lunch, and shot seven under 29. He continued playing and ended up shooting 29 on the back nine, with an astounding total of 12 birdies and an eagle.
"The golf course is actually playing extremely difficult. The greens are firm and fast, and the rough is pretty long. To shoot even in the mid-60s here is very impressive. To break 60 is phenomenal," said Tim Kunick, an assistant pro at the Plantation.
After playing fairly average for much of the year, Mickelson seems to be getting his game in shape at the right time of year. After two rounds at the Bay Hill Invitational, he is at six under par, one shot off the lead.
Mickelson is looking to have his game in peak shape with the Masters starting on April 8th. The two time champion said Thursday that he would love to be paired with Tiger Woods as he makes his return during the opening rounds at Augusta.
Last year at Augusta, Mickelson and Woods were paired during a final round filled with fireworks. Mickelson shot a front nine 30 and both of them put on a final day charge before coming up just short of eventual winner Angel Cabrera.
AP Photo / John Raoux
