Phil Mickelson's budding relationship with teen sensation Akshay Bhatia is proving to be mutually beneficial (golfweek.usatoday.com)

Phil Mickelson began the head games with his 18-year-old practice-round opponent Akshay Bhatia early in their nine-hole match on Wednesday. Both players had just run downhill birdie putts at the 10th hole at PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament Course less than 4 feet past the hole when Lefty, the 50-year-old crafty veteran, said, “I know we’re going to both make them, but let’s putt them anyway. You’re a little closer so, it’s in your favor.”

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