Mickelson closes out Pebble Beach Pro-Am victory

California, February 12: Phil Mickelson closed out victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am for a record-equalling fifth time, holding off Paul Casey in a weather-delayed finish.

A rain delay and bad light forced Mickelson and Casey to return on Monday and the 48-year-old retained his three-shot lead to seal glory at the site of this year's U.S. Open – the only major he is yet to win and has finished as runner-up in six times.

Victory provided the American with the 44th PGA Tour title of his career and just his second since 2013.

Mickelson was keen to finish despite darkness approaching on Sunday

Mickelson began by calmly knocking his tee shot on the par-three 17th to inside 10 feet and Casey followed suit, but when the 41-year-old failed to sink an eight-footer for birdie his hopes of snatching the win were effectively ended.

Victory was sealed by Mickelson with a gain on the iconic par-five 18th, completing a seven-under 65 to finish on 19 under for the tournament.

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🏆🏆🏆🏆@PhilMickelson is a 44-time winner on the PGA TOUR.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/texho01Tbj

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 11, 2019

"I thanked Paul this morning for letting us finish today," he said of the delayed finish. "Sometimes I get in my little bubble and don't see the big picture.

"It's been a very special week for me and this is a very special place to me."

Casey also closed Monday's play with a birdie putt at 18 to finish alone in second at 16 under.

Scott Stallings, who took the clubhouse lead on Sunday by getting to 15 under, was third, with Jason Day and Kim Si-woo tied for fourth at 13 under.