NICK WATNEY, up already this year from 203rd in the world to 40th, has words of praise from Phil Mickelson to boost him as he tries to climb even higher at this week’s Transitions Championship at Innisbrook in Florida.
Mickelson just denied his fellow Californian victory in the WGC-CA Championship in Miami on Sunday and was asked afterwards if he was reminded of the duel he had with Tiger Woods on the same course four years ago.
“He certainly hit some shots that Tiger is known for hitting,” said the world number two, highlighting Watney’s chip in for birdie at the ninth and a four iron that set up an eagle on the next.
“I thought he drove the ball very well. He hit a lot of great iron shots and he putted very well the last two days that we played together.
“I think he’s an incredibly talented player and he’s one of the nicest players we have on Tour. I look forward to him being on some of our team events, I think he’s going to be a real asset.”
Having won the Buick Invitational last month, the 27-year-old is now ninth in America’s Presidents Cup standings and, in the absence of Mickelson and Woods, one of the favourites for the €741,000 first prize on Sunday.
While disappointed he came up one shot short at Doral – his final birdie putt stopped on the edge of the hole – Watney enjoyed the contest.
Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa (17) who next month joins fellow teenagers Rory McIlroy and amateur Danny Lee in making a Masters debut, plays his second PGA Tour event of the season.
Ishikawa missed the cut at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles. He then returned home for an exams.
Transitions Championship
Course:Copperhead course, Westin Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbour, Tampa Bay, Florida.
Length:7,340 yards. Par: 71.
Prizemoney:€4 million, €741,000 for the winner.
Field:144.
Defending champion:Sean O'Hair won after being three shots behind on the Sunday.
Course record:Jeff Sluman 62.
Most wins:KJ Choi (2).
On TV:Setanta Golf (7pm).
Weather:Mixture of cloud and sun.
