Phil Mickelson's game turned a corner on Sunday, as he roared back from five shots behind to win the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. His movement up the World Golf Rankings reflects his impressive round.
Mickelson shot from No. 17 to No. 11 on the World Golf Rankings list, which was released on Monday. It was the largest jump for any golfer in the top 40 this week.
The famous lefty was the talk of the golf world after his incredible final round at Pebble Beach. Mickelson started the day behind Charlie Wi (No. 118) and was paired with his rival Tiger Woods. As he noted afterward, Mickelson was inspired by playing with the former No. 1 ranked player.
Mickelson fired an eight-under 64, cruising by Wi and flying by Woods on the way to the 40th PGA tournament win of his career and fourth win at Pebble Beach. The venue holds special meaning for Mickelson; his grandfather used to caddie at the famous course.
The resulting six spot leap in the World Golf Rankings moved Mickelson past Graeme McDowell, Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, K.J. Choi, Brandt Snedeker and Sergio Garcia, who each fell one spot down. Mickelson, who won $1.152 million for the Pebble Beach victory, started the 2012 season at No. 14 on the World Golf Rankings. .
Luke Donald, who has yet to play this season, maintained the No. 1 spot. Lee Westwood moved up to No. 2, supplanting Rory McIlroy, who slid to No. 3.
Woods, who ended up in a tie for 15th at Pebble Beach, stayed in the same No. 18 slot he occupied last week. While Woods' putter failed him Sunday, his overall game has shown considerable improvement since last season when he played some of the worst golf of his career. The 15th place finish netted Woods $102,400.
The World Golf Rankings take into account a player's performance over a rolling two-year period. A point system is used, and a player receives more points for finishing higher in a tournament. Additionally, majors and other significant tournaments receive heavier weighting.
World Golf Rankings - Top 25
1. Luke Donald
2. Lee Westwood
3. Rory McIlroy
4. Martin Kaymer
5. Steve Stricker
6. Webb Simpson
7. Jason Day
8. Adam Scott
9. Charl Schwartzel
10. Dustin Johnson
11. Phil Mickelson
12. Graeme McDowell
13. Matt Kuchar
14. Nick Watney
15. K.J. Choi
16. Brandt Snedeker
17. Sergio Garcia
18. Tiger Woods
19. Bubba Watson
20. Justin Rose
21. Hunter Mahan
22. Bill Haas
23. Paul Casey
24. Ian Poulter
25. Thomas Bjorn
Complete World Golf Rankings - Top 300
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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