Phil Mickelson has admitted his anguish regarding the missed putt which cost him a sub-60 round at the Phoenix Open.
The 42-year-old would have become only the six man in PGA Tour history to break the 60-shot barrier, but was unfortunate to see a 25-foot birdie attempt lip out of the hole.
The four-time Major champion settled for a round of 11-under par, four clear of Jeff Maggert, Padraig Harrington, Ryan Palmer, Ted Potter Jr and Brandt Snedeker at the top of the leaderboard.
Mickelson said that he was "ecstatic" with the round, but conceded that opportunities to shoot 59 do not come around very often.
"It's unfortunate," said Mickelson. "But I mean, I'm ecstatic with the round, but man, you just don't get those opportunities very often, and to see that ball lip out instead of lip in, it's crushing.
"Sixty is awesome, but there's a big difference between a 60 and a 59. Not that big a difference between 60 and 61. But there's a big barrier, a Berlin Wall barrier, between 59 and 60."
Al Geiberger, Chip Beck, David Duval, Paul Goydos and Stuart Appleby are the only players to shoot 59.
Michael Penkman
