18 holes. One day. That is all that stands between Phil Mickelson and history.
No golfer 50 or over has won a major. But here we sit with one day to go and we have Mickelson sitting on the top of the leaderboard at the PGA taking place at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
After a 2-under 70 on Saturday, Mickelson sits on the edge with a one-shot lead over Brooks Koepka. Second round co-leader Louis Oosthuizen sits third, two shots off the pace.
Mickelson persevered throughout Saturday to keep the lead. Mickelson has been there before, so he is not over-thinking Sunday.
“I think that because I feel or believe that I’m playing really well and I have an opportunity to contend for a major championship on Sunday and I’m having so much fun that it’s easier to stay in the present and not get ahead of myself,” said Mickelson.
Koepke is the ultimate major competitor. He knows what it takes what it takes to win, and he knows what his mindset needs to be.
“It just feels good, feels normal. It’s what you’re supposed to do, what you practice for,” said Koepka about being in the hunt heading into the final round. “I’m right where I want to be, and we’ll see how tomorrow goes. Just be within any within three of the lead going into the back nine and you’ve got a chance.”
And Koepka is happy to be in the final group with Mickelson on Sunday.
“Yeah, it’ll be nice,” said Koepka about being in the final group. “At least I can see what Phil is doing and then I don’t have to turn back and look and see what he’s up to. Looking forward to it. Got a chance, and everybody will be in front of me, so I know what I’ve got to do.”
By Dennis Miller