Europe’’s victorious 2004 Ryder Cup Captain Bernhard Langer climbed into a share of third place at the halfway stage of the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, three shots adrift of Masters Champion Phil Mickelson, who tore through the field with a round of 11 under par 60, and Kevin Na.
Langer shot a five under par 66 to move to six under par 136 but his score was eclipsed by that of Mickelson.
The left hander enjoyed a scorching end to his round with birdies on this final five holes to narrowly miss out on a piece of golfing history, finishing one stroke shy of the PGA Tour record of 59 for 18 holes, shared by David Duval, Al Geiberger and Chip Beck.
He did shoot 59 in last November's two-round Grand Slam of Golf, a non tour event, and Annika Sorrenstam is the only woman to match the score on the LPGA.
"I birdied the last five to shoot 60, I never had a chance to shoot 59 unless I holed a shot from the fairway, which I really didn't consider much," Mickelson said.
"It feels terrific to shoot 60 to get back in the tournament. I would have taken 65 and been ecstatic because I would be four-under and be within four or five of the lead going into the weekend.
"Instead I'm top of it because I love this tournament. I've only won it once. It was exciting coming down the stretch in the last group with the people here.”
