Mickelson Still Atop Leaderboard: A Fan’s Take

I wrote an article yesterday on the opening round entitled Mickelson on Top to Start the Northern Trust Open: A Fan's Take. Phil had a phenomenal start and continued his hot streak on Thursday at the Northern Trust Open coming fresh from Pebble Beach. He was paired with other recent winners on tour Kyle Stanley and Brandy Snedeker. It was funny and familiar to see how playing with Mickelson affected the play of the persons paired with him. Phil is known to be a better player when matched with Tiger, especially as of late. The same was true for both Snedeker and Stanley who had uninspiring on day one.

Brandt Snedeker will just make the cut after two rounds. He is +3 for the tournament and will try his luck in another come from behind like he did at Torrey Pines three weeks ago. Kyle Stanley, winner of the Waste Management Open and loser to Snedeker at Torrey Pines in an unforgettable last round, showed resolve and was able to fight his way back into contention after a 74 during the opening round. He shot a 68 today and will be in the hunt during the weekend. Mickelson remains in the lead. He made a very impressive eagle on the par 4 eighth hole. Shooting a round of 70 for the day, he will start with a one shot lead over his closest competitor.

The field is feeling the presence of Matt Kuchar for the first time this season. The golfer has been a big factor in recent years, but not so far in 2012. He sits comfortably in a tie for third place at -4. He is my pick to go on and win the tournament. Matt Kuchar is in a four way tie with Jimmy Walker, Pat Perez and Swedish born Carl Pettersson.

The weekend is shaping up to be another exciting finish to the early 2012 season. Few players have been able to hold on to their leads going into the final rounds. Will Phil Mickelson be able to stay on top or will he fall to another competitor? The only thing that is for certain is that golfers will not have an easy time combating the powerful winds and tough roughs around the greens. Watch this weekend to find out who comes out victorious.

I am an avid golf fan. I enjoy playing recreational on local courses and watching the PGA Tour. I also like keeping up to date with all the new faces to the game.

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