Mickelson Falls Away In Third Round

American Phil Mickeslon’s chances of winning the Barclays Singapore Open at his fourth attempt came to a watery end on the 18th hole on Saturday.

The world number four found the water twice on the par-five last at the end of the third round at Sentosa Golf Club.

Mickelson, whose best finish was ninth in 2008, shot a four over 75 and is 12 shots behind leader Adam Scott of Australia

He said that he hit the ball well but could not find the line on the greens.

"I actually played well until I tripled the last – it is a very difficult golf course to make birdies on because I cannot hit more than an iron or hybrid off the tee, it seems," he said.

"You have got to make putts and I struggle on the greens – I have a hard time reading them. For the most part I kept the ball in play until I got to 18 and I hit a couple of balls in the water and made triple.

"I have never putted well here – this year is probably the best I have putted on the greens and I still have not made much, it is just that I am missing by less."

Despite his disappointment, Mickelson was full of praise for the Serapong and Tanjong Courses.

"The courses are in tremendous shape, it is a wonderful design. And the country of Singapore here is one of the cleanest and most enjoyable cities to be in. I have enjoyed my time off the golf course. It is a great place to visit," he said.

"Tomorrow I will try and play a solid round. It is not a golf course that you can try and make birdies because you cannot hit more than 250 or 260 yards off the tee. So I have to keep it in play and hole some 20 or 30 footers just to make a solid drive."