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Lefty's bad luck: Lip-out on last hole costs Phil Mickelson a 59 in Phoenix Open

Associated Press
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Phil Mickelson chips to the 15th green during the first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

With a saguaro cactus dwarfing him in the background, Phil Mickelson tips his visor to the crowd after making a birdie on the 12th hole during the first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

Phil Mickelson missed out on a 59 by a fraction of an inch Thursday in the Phoenix Open.

Mickelson had a chance to become only the sixth player in PGA Tour history to break 60 with a 25-foot birdie attempt on his last hole, the par-4 ninth at the TPC Scottsdale. The putt looked good all the way, and Mickelson pointed his putter at the cup as he prepared to celebrate.

Right at the end, though, the ball caught the right edge of the cup, curled 180 degrees to the other side of the hole and stayed out.

His caddie, Jim Mackay, fell to his knees and stayed there several seconds.

Mickelson had to settle the course record, which he previously set in the Phoenix Open eight years ago.