Phil Mickelson: Lefty Looks Lethal in 2012 Despite Loss at Northern Trust Open

Phil Mickelson has gotten off to one tremendous 2012 season.

One week after a dominating Sunday performance to secure a win at Pebble Beach, Mickelson found himself in a three-way tie after 18 holes at Sunday’s final round of the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles, CA before losing a three-way playoff with Bill Haas to finish tied for second.  

Mickelson was facing a third-place finish with a 27-foot putt staring him down on the 18th hole. From the edge of the green, Mickelson calmly drilled it to secure an even-par 71 with a spot in a playoff with Haas and Keegan Bradley.

On the second playoff hole, Mickelson hooked his drive into the rough and was doomed in by an incredible 40-foot putt for the win by Haas.

Despite a brief lapse, 2012 has provided fans with a loose and aggressive Mickelson. He is taking riskier shots and more often than not has been rewarded. His mettle and calmness this year have been remarkable. Last week, he put up one of the best performances of the week on Sunday with a crowded leaderboard…and Tiger Woods as his playing partner.

Sunday, he looked like a dead duck after bogeying 14 and 15 to drop a stroke behind Haas, yet he never lost his confidence and almost pulled off another comeback.

With the struggles of Woods still prevalent, the PGA tour hasn’t been this wide open in years. World No. 1 Luke Donald finished seven shots over par to finish tied for 56th place on Sunday.

Sure, the field has yet to be fully stocked with top international stars like Rory McIlroy, but it’s the way Mickelson is playing with such confidence that should be getting fans excited. He goes out there expecting to win. A far cry from years past when he was known as a great player who couldn’t win under pressure.  

Sure, the season is still in its infancy, but by all accounts 2012 is going to be a year to remember for Mickelson.