Golf: Mickelson captures Houston Open

HOUSTON: Phil Mickelson, who will defend his Masters title next week, fired a seven-under par 65 in the fourth round to win the PGA Tour Houston Open by three shots. The 40-year-old Mickelson beat fellow American Scott Verplank down the stretch to post his first title since winning 2010 Masters. Mickelson finished at 20-under par 268. Verplank carded a 68 for 271, where he was joined by second-round leader Chris Kirk, who shot a fourth-round 67. The victory also moves Mickelson’s world ranking to number three.



Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2011.