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Phil: Tiger fires me up

Mickelson: Tiger fires me up

02/13/2012 08:16:55 PM

Phil Mickelson said playing with Tiger Woods brings out the best in him after claiming a stunning win in the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Mickelson shot an eight-under 64 to bridge a six-shot deficit and claim his 40th career title at the Pebble Beach links on Sunday.

He was paired with former world number one Woods for his amazing final round, and said playing with his long time rival made him up his game.

"I also am inspired playing with him (Woods). I think most people are but he seems to bring out the best in me and the last four or five years, I've played some of my best golf playing with him and I really enjoy it," Mickelson said.

"I thought watching him play, it looked so different than it has the last few years. It looked different because it just never looked like he was going to hit a hook the way he had for a while. He was hitting it so solid, you could tell his game was really close.

"I just feel very inspired when I play with him. I love playing with him, and he brings out some of my best golf.

"I hope that he continues to play better and better, and I hope that he and I have a chance to play together more in final rounds.

"I know that his level of play is so much greater when he's playing his best than anybody else's, that it just forces me to focus on my game more intently, and hit more precise shots."

Mickelson becomes just the ninth player in PGA Tour history to rack up 40 career, and said he hoped his victory would give him confidence for the rest of the season.

"Regardless of what number it is, it just feels great to win this tournament. It feels great, because it's a special place for me, Pebble Beach," he said.

"My grandfather having caddied here, such a national treasure, it means a lot to me because I haven't played the last year the way I would like to.

"I felt like my game was so close heading into the season, and yet my scores didn't reflect how I felt I was playing.

"And to put it together this week and especially the final round with this round just feels terrific, and it gives me a lot of confidence but also inspires me because I believe now more so that what I'm doing is correct and that I'm able to play some of my best golf."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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