Phil Mickelson of the United States celebrates after his final putt on the 18th green during the final round of the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, Scotland, Sunday July 21, 2013.GULLANE, Scotland – One of the greatest final rounds in a major. Two of the best shots he ever struck with a 3-wood. The third leg of the Grand Slam.
Phil Mickelson never imagined any of this happening at the British Open.
No wonder he never took his hand off the base of that silver claret jug as he talked about the best Sunday he ever had at a major. Five shots out of the lead, Mickelson blew past Tiger Woods, caught up to Lee Westwood and Masters champion Adam Scott, and won golf’s oldest championship with the lowest final round in his 80 majors.
With four birdies over the last six holes, Mickelson closed with a 5-under 66 for a three-shot win over Henrik Stenson.
No longer is he mystified by links golf, and he has his name etched in that jug to prove it.