By Andrew Both
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (Reuters) – Phil Mickelson’s caddie took off from the practice range in a hurry in what was clearly a club emergency, barely 20 minutes before the final tee time at the PGA Championship on Sunday.
Mickelson’s brother Tim, who is also his caddie, carried what appeared to be a one-iron as he dashed towards the clubhouse, leaving Mickelson, the only player left on the range, to continue his warm-up accompanied by instructor Andrew Getson.
The caddie re-emerged a few minutes later and told CBS television that he had retrieved a four-wood to replace what apparently was a cracked face on the one-iron.
Mickelson, 50, started the final round with a one-shot lead at Kiawah Island in his quest to become the oldest major champion.
(Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Ken Ferris)