Mickelson sets Barclays pace

Published on Sunday 24 August 2008 22:51

PHIL Mickelson was among the chasing pack showing low scores could be possible at The Barclays as the leaders prepared to go out for their final rounds at Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey.

The world No2 started the day seven shots off the overnight lead held by PGA Tour rookie Kevin Streelman, who, at eight under par, held a one-stroke advantage over Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh and Mike Weir.

When Mickelson finished his third round at one under for the tournament on Saturday, the leader on the course, Steve Stricker, was at 12 under

before plummeting to four under with a round of 77 and leaving the tournament wide open for the leading pack.

With the course toughening as the third round progressed, just as it had done in the previous rounds, Garcia said he felt the lead players would not have to shoot particularly low. “For the guys at seven under, I don’t think we need a 64, 65,” the Spaniard said.

“You’ve got to be patient. Obviously if you’re four-under, you might need maybe a 65. I think, like I said at the beginning of the week, I think somewhere around 10-under or maybe just below that might win.”

Mickelson set about trying to join the contenders with a typically swashbuckling start to his final round. He birdied the opening par-four first hole, eagled the par-five third and then recorded bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie to reach the turn three under for the day. Another birdie followed at the 12th hole before a bogey six at the 13th sent Mickelson back to four under, where he was after 14 holes.