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(AP Photo)
Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits the ball at the 2nd fairway during Pro-Am golf of the 2009 HSBC Champions golf tournament Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, in Shanghai, China. HSBC Champions golf tournament will be held at Shanghai Sheshan International Golf Club from Nov. 5 to 8.
SHANGHAI— Phil Mickelson eased through a crush of spectators and into a courtesy van, telling them he would sign autographs in front of the Sheshan International clubhouse after he had a chance to eat.
His plate of food gone, he took one last swig of his soda, rose from the table and said, "Let's go see who's waiting."
Hardly anyone had left.
Mickelson proved to be as popular in Shanghai as he is in the States. He said all the right things at the opening press conference about his responsibility to play in China to help grow the game, and the two golf projects he is building with an emphasis on teaching and attracting kids and their families.
He saved his best work for Sunday in the HSBC Champions.
First, he quickly dispatched of Tiger Woods and all the buzz over the latest battle between the world's top two players, expanding a two-shot to six over the front nine. Then, he rallied to beat another familiar foe, Ernie Els, with timely putts in the final hour.
Mickelson wound up with the perfect finish to his week _ and his year.
He closed with a 3-under 69 for a one-shot victory over Els, his fourth victory of the year, and joined Woods as the only players to capture two World Golf Championship events in the same year. Mickelson won the CA Championship at Doral in the spring.
This one won't count in the PGA Tour record book _ at least not yet.
It sure felt that way to Mickelson, who finished at 17-under 271 and at least can have the $1.2 million show up in his bank account.
