Bradley won't be awed by childhood idol Mickelson

• By Randall Mell
• Feb 18, 2012 9:40 PM ET

LOS ANGELES – Make no mistake.

Keegan Bradley relishes the chance to play alongside Phil Mickelson in the final group Sunday at the Northern Trust Open, but Bradley won’t be in awe of one of his childhood idols.

“It’s something you dream about, playing with Phil or Tiger, but it would be even better to beat ‘em,” Bradley said.

Bradley, 25, the PGA Tour rookie of the year last year and winner of the PGA Championship, shot a 5-under-par 66 Saturday to take a share of the lead with Mickelson at 7 under. They’ll go off in the final grouping Sunday at Riviera with Bryce Molder, who is a shot back.

Bradley made a 10-foot putt for par at the final hole to seal his pairing with Mickelson.

“That’s why I was so excited to make that putt on the last hole,” Bradley said. “I kind of figured that might get me in the final group.

“I really look up to Phil, and I watched him play a lot of Sundays growing up. Any time you’re playing with Phil, you’re playing pretty well. I enjoy the atmosphere and everything that comes with playing with Phil.”

Bradley and Mickelson have become good friends. They play a lot of practice rounds together, and they share the same management company. Mickelson has given Bradley a lot of advice.

“I really like Keegan,” Mickelson said. “He’s a great guy. He’s a great player, and I think a lot of him. I think he’s great for the game.”

There’ll be a little more riding on their game Sunday than the usual Nassaus in practice rounds.