by Jeff Skinner
Peter Hanson had the round of the day at The Masters with a seven under 65. They say that Augusta National is a second shot course and Hanson’s second shot approaches were better than anyone. He hit green after green and repeatedly left himself in great position with makeable birdie putts. His stellar play earned him a one stroke lead gong into Sunday’s final round.
Hanson may have had the round of the day but Phil Mickelson had the shot of the day. It took Mickelson a bit to warm up as he carded nine straight pars to open the third round. But a birdie at ten got him rolling and he finished with a scorching 30 on the back for a six under round of 66. That left Mickelson one off Hanson’s lead. Phil had a bunch of highlights over his last nine holes, birdies at 12 and 18 and an eagle at 13 but the shot of the day was at 15.
With his second shot rolling off the back of the green he was faced with a difficult shot up the bank to a pin that sloped away from him. Hit it too hard and the ball goes in the pond or the crowd or rolls over the Sarazen Bridge. But fearless Phil knew the shot he wanted: 64 degree wedge flop shot, no second thoughts. Phil loves to show off and this was his stage. Only Phil tries a shot like this and only Phil makes a shot like this. He flops it to a few feet makes the bird and walks away smiling. It was the simply the shot of the day.
Hanson and Mickelson are paired together on Sunday and they will be looking for a replay of today’s incredible round.
Here’s a look at Phils Flop Shot.
Related Articles
