Just like that, however, the comfortable margin turned into a throat-gripping finish. From the seventh fairway, Mickelson hit a wild approach that landed just far enough in front of a tree to restrict his swing. On the par-3 11th, he missed the green and chunked his first chip so badly it stayed in the rough. After two par saves, Woods hit his approach into No. 12 to 3 feet for birdie, then tied Mickelson for the lead with another birdie on No. 13. He wasn't spectacular, but his presence alone was a factor.
Guys believe sometimes more in other people's game than their own.
Mickelson had every reason to believe in Woods. But the guy who has had problems closing out tournaments finally believed more in himself.