Phil Mickelson Leading Heading Into Sunday

Phil Mickelson came into the clubhouse on Saturday with a 54-hole lead at the Northern Trust Open just outside Santa Monica, California. He signed his scorecard just before hopping on a plane headed home to Rancho Santa Fe, about 100 miles south along the coast. Yes, you read that right. Phil flew home on Saturday. Just like he did on Thursday and Friday too. “Family time” he calls it. Whatever it is, it’s working.

After winning last week at Pebble Beach, Phil has been on top of his game to say the least. With his confidence overflowing, Phil is taking risks that only he is willing to take on seemingly every hole. He will be trying for his third career win at the Riviera Country Club tomorrow afternoon and history is on his side. Each of the last 6 times Phil Mickelson has held a 36-hole lead outright on the PGA tour, he has gone on to win the tournament. However, after shooting a third round 70, he’s not without company on the leader board. Keegan Bradley finished his round with five putts on the final five holes to shoot 66 and grab a share of the lead. Right behind Phil and Keegan are three tied at 6 under and three more at 5 under.

When asked how he felt about his round on Saturday, Mickelson put it plainly, "That was awesome, especially since I played so bad.”