Mickelson wins playoff as round abandoned

Gary Nicklaus, at last the famous son of a famous father, lost a sudden death play-off to Phil Mickelson for the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta after the final round was washed out.

Nicklaus and Mickelson had to wait three hours for their shoot-out at the downhill 163-yard 16th.

It lasted only 10 minutes. After Mickelson put his nine-iron to 17 feet Nicklaus caught his eight-iron a little heavy and the ball finished in sand, close to the lip.

He failed to get it out first time, hit his next attempt to four feet and then saw Mickelson claim his second win of the year - and 15th of his career - by holing his birdie putt. He earned £316,981 and Nicklaus £190,188.

Nicklaus said: "There was a lot of anticipation. I was ready to play this morning, then I saw the rain and didn't expect to play.

"My shot was pretty decent, but a little bit heavy and I put myself in a tough position.

"But the big thing this week is that I've earned enough to keep my card. That takes a big weight off my shoulders and I can freewheel from now on not having to worry about having a place to play next year."

Mickelson, who now moves on to try to win his first Major at long last at Augusta, commented: "Gary was unfortunate with the lie."

He also made no apology for denying Nicklaus what would have a fairytale victory. "I'm not trying to be the bad guy - I'm just trying to win a golf tournament."

Jack Nicklaus was playing in the first of the US Senior Tour's Majors this weekend - the Tradition in Arizona - but caught some of the action on Saturday as Gary moved into a share of the lead.

"For years he's been on the sidelines rooting for me," he said. "Now it's my turn to be on the sidelines pulling for him.

"I'm very proud of him. I'd love to have him win a tournament."

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