Mickelson Eagles First Playoff Hole To Outduel Couples

Phil Mickelson eagled the first hole of a playoff to beat host Fred Couples Tuesday at the $660,000 Ernst Championship at Inglewood Golf Club.

Mickelson, second on the 1996 PGA money list, shot a 6-under 65 on the day to catch Couples, who started the day at 7-under. Couples shot a 69 on the 6,527-yard, par-71 course, which included a triple bogey on No. 7. Both finished at 133 in regulation play.

Mickelson won $130,000, Couples $65,000. Scott Simpson and Brad Faxon finished one stroke back at 134 to take home $32,500 each. Both shot 6-under 65s.

Tuesday marked the second time in the three years of the exhibition tournament that Seattle native Couples lost in a playoff. He lost in 1994 to Billy Andrade.

Couples hit a tree on the 508-yard, par-5, No. 18 playoff hole, then hit his approach shot in the bunker to the left of the green.

Mickelson’s approach shot, a 6-iron from 179 yards out, made it to within 3 feet of the hole. Mickelson made the putt for eagle, after Couples had birdied the hole.

Spokane’s Mark Rohde finished with a two-day total of 141. John Daly shot 144.