PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Phil Mickelson is playing the “fifth major” like many play the other four Grand Slam gatherings, that is to say cautiously.
Mickelson plodded his way to eight consecutive pars on Friday at The Players Championship and is at 2 under par for the week and right on the cut line on a warm and muggy Florida afternoon.
According to best estimates, Lefty needs to win this week and Tiger Woods must finish no better than fifth place for Mickelson to overtake Woods atop the World Golf Ranking. At this rate Woods, who is 3 under par, is enjoying the breathing room.