AT&T Byron Nelson Memories – Phil Mickelson Wins in 1996
Since 1968, the AT&T Byron Nelson has raised $163 million for Momentous Institute, the non-profit focused on social emotional health for all children. With your help, the Salesmanship Club of Dallas can continue to raise funds for the programs, children and families that Momentous Institute impacts. Please consider making a donation HERE or if you wish to make a custom donation, please email sales@salesmanshipclub.org
The PGA TOUR has announced due to the ongoing health crisis, all tournaments through May 10 have been cancelled. This includes the AT&T Byron Nelson in what would have been its final year at Trinity Forest Golf Club, so we are taking this opportunity to celebrate some of our favorite memories from past AT&T Byron Nelson events over the next four days.
Phil Mickelson held off Craig Parry and David Duval to capture his third victory in his 12th start of the year at the 1996 AT&T Byron Nelson.
The 25-year old Mickelson would add the NEC World Series of Golf at Firestone Country Club in August for four wins in the season.
His win at TPC Las Colinas featured final round eagles on the par-5 No. 7 and the par-5 No. 16 as part of a 66 on Sunday. Thea eagle on No. 16 gave him a two-shot lead over Parry that he would hold onto by virtue of two closing pars.
“That was a Phil Mickelson shot,” tournament host, Byron Nelson said of Mickelson’s chip-in eagle on No. 16. “Nobody else can hit it so high and land it so soft. He has an unbelievably fluid motion. It flows–just like water.”
While he was busy winning, Mickelson’s week at the Nelson was not all business as according to Sports Illustrated, he also threw out the first pitch at the Texas Rangers game following the Wednesday Pro-Am and played three-on-three basketball at 1987 Nelson champion Fred Couples‘ nearby Plano home with fellow pros Jay Haas, Davis Love III, Peter Jacobsen and Tom Purtzer.
In winning the 1996 AT&T Byron Nelson, Mickelson earned $270,000 of the $1.5 million purse.
The win was sandwiched in the middle of a magical run for the tournament that saw Ernie Els win in 1995 and Tiger Woods win in 1997.
