Holmes beats Mickelson on first playoff hole

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- J.B. Holmes failed to birdie the 18th hole in the first three rounds of the FBR Open. Then he did it twice Sunday, coming back from the brink of defeat to steal a victory from one of the biggest names in golf.

Holmes’ 13-foot birdie putt forced a playoff with Phil Mickelson, then moments later he sank an eight-footer after a monster, 359-yard drive to win the tournament for the second time in three years.

“I can play under pressure, I guess,” he said.

Holmes, whose victory as a rookie at the FBR in 2006 is his only other PGA Tour win, had blown a four-stroke lead and was one shot behind going to the 18th. The far more seasoned Mickelson seemed destined for his third victory in the tournament and 33rd of his career.

But Holmes, a 25-year-old from Kentucky, smashed a 350-yard drive that landed near a fence far left of the fairway. He was given a drop, then hit his second shot out of the rough 13 feet from the pin to set up the putt that put him at 14-under-par 270 and forced the playoff with Mickelson.

Holmes’ playoff tee shot went straight and deep down the fairway. His second shot came to rest eight feet from victory.

“Starting the day, I would have gladly taken getting into a playoff,” Mickelson said, “but I’ve got to give J.B. a lot of credit for birdieing the last hole and birdieing again to get in the playoff. That’s pretty impressive golf.”

Holmes shot a final round of even-par 71, and Mickelson shot a 67. Charles Warren finished third, a shot out of the playoff.