Worldwide Golf

PHIL Mickelson won his first World Golf Championships title with a one-stroke victory over compatriot Nick Watney at the CA-Championship at Doral.

Mickelson closed out with seven straight pars for a 3-under 69 and a 19-under total to take him to No.2 in the Official World Golf Ranking and closer to Tiger Woods in points than he has ever been before.

“I fought hard all day and wasn’t really able to pay attention to some of the great shots that Nick hit because I was so worried about keeping my energy level high and steady throughout the round,” said Mickelson who suffered from exhaustion and dehydration at various stages on Saturday and Sunday.

“I haven’t eaten much in three days and I fought hard. I knew I was playing some of my best golf coming in here and I was playing well so I’m very excited to have finished it off.”

Watney, who won the Buick Invitational earlier in the season, almost forced a play-off on the 18^th but his 30-foot birdie putt from the fringe pulled up inches short of the cup. “I'll get over this,” he said. “It’s a positive week. I played really well. Beat 78 of the best players in the world. Beat Tiger, which is always good. I’m very pleased with the way I’m playing.”

Jim Furyk closed with a 67 for third place on 16-under with Jeev Milka Singh alone in fourth place on 14-under.