Mickelson matches Woods with record 24 wins at Presidents Cup

[September 30, 2017]  (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson is proving more adept wielding a golf club than taking a selfie at the Presidents Cup as he joined Tiger Woods for the most victories at the team event.

A day after missing a six-footer that would have won his match at the 18th hole at Liberty National, Mickelson made amends on Friday to post his 24th victory by sinking a 12-foot birdie at the final hole as he and partner Kevin Wisner beat Jason Day and Marc Leishman one-up.

The Australian duo had led for most of the match and were never behind until Leishman's 10-foot birdie chance at the final hole slipped wide.

Mickelson has played in all 12 Presidents Cups since the event was created in 1994 and improved his career record to 24 wins, 16 losses and 13 halves.

Woods, a U.S. assistant captain at the event, has a 24-15-1 career record.

"I get that I can't dance and I get that I can't take selfies, but I can putt," Mickelson, 47, quipped in reference to a bungled attempt to take a photo with U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton on Thursday, and an awkward celebration dance with Kisner on Friday.

"I don't really think much about," Mickelson added of matching the record.

 

 Phil Mickelson tees off on the first hole during the second round four-ball matches of The President's Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

"I just love every opportunity to be a part of these events and on these teams, and this team is a unique team from any in the past in that the talent level is high or higher than we've ever had."

U.S. captain Steve Stricker said Mickelson had been upset at the putt he missed for the win on Thursday.

"I know he probably lost a little sleep over that last n night," Stricker said.

"He brought it up to me again this morning. So it was eating at him. He just (could not) believe that he missed that putt yesterday.

"It's nice to see that he got a little redemption."

(Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

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