Mickelson Wins Hartford Open

Phil Mickelson used his new mental approach to perfection in the Greater Hartford Open. He’ll have to wait for the British Open to test it on a major stage.

Booming long drives and staying out of trouble, Mickelson shot a two-under-par 68 on Sunday for a one-stroke victory over Billy Andrade at the muggy TPC at River Highlands.

“I feel like this is a good starting point,” said Mickelson, who shot a career-best 61 Saturday and finished at 16-under 264.

The left-hander, 31, didn’t touch a club in the week after shooting a final-round 75 in the U.S. Open, choosing instead to practice mentally using visualization techniques he learned in college.

“I felt much more comfortable, much more relaxed, and worked from a positive frame of mind,” Mickelson said. “Changing my mental approach and my outlook has allowed me to perform at a higher lever--to perform at my best.”

Mickelson earned $558,000 for his 19th tour victory to push his season total to $3,569,724, second behind Tiger Woods.