Phil MickesonTony Dejak
It could have been a coronation. Instead, it was a disappointment.
The world No. 1 ranking was there for the taking. All Phil Mickelson had to do was finish in the top four at the Bridgestone Invitational.
But as has been the case for the past few months when a win or a strong finish would have gotten him past a faltering Tiger Woods and into the top spot, Mickelson couldn't do it.
"It was a rough day," Mickelson said after an ugly 78 in Sunday's final round. "I felt pretty good today. I felt good on the range, I hit some good shots. I felt like I was sharp and ready to go attack the golf course and make some birdies. And it just didn't happen."
Mickelson was tied for 10th heading into Sunday. But seven bogeys and a double-bogey (and one lonely birdie) left him at 3-over 283 and tied for 46th instead.
"I don't know what to say," Mickelson said
Meanwhile, Woods had the most dreadful tournament of his professional career. His final-round 77 left him at 18-over par-his worst showing ever over 72 holes in relation to par. He beat out only one player in the 80-player field, posting his worst finish ever in a four-round tournament by ending up in a tie for 78th.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington is one of a number of players lurking behind the second-ranked Mickelson and third-ranked (but injured) Lee Westwood. He has his own opinion of the pecking order.
"Lee Westwood is the most consistent player in the world. Phil is playing the best golf in the world when he plays well. And Tiger is the best player in the world," Harrington said. "That kind of sums it up."
Woods' lost weekend opened the door for Mickelson to take over the No. 1 spot in the world. But he fumbled the chance.
He said he was frustrated that he hasn't taken over No. 1 even though Woods has been stuck in neutral (or worse) all year.
"If I keep finishing ahead of him every week eventually it'll happen, but the problem is there's guys behind me that will pass me because I'm not playing well enough right now," Mickelson said. "I've got some work to do to get my own game sharp."