Phil Mickelson, the 55-year-old professional golfer and professional gambler, took to the links during the first round at The Open Championship last week. His performance on Thursday at Royal Portrush was stunning. His 1-under 70 was his best opening round in the famed event since 2016.
Mickelson displayed his masterful shot-making all round long. He showed flashes of brilliance, particularly when he found himself in a difficult greenside bunker. Showcasing his legendary short game skills, he really had to reach into the bag of tricks to get out this tough lie.
After battling the elements and striding over a rattlesnake on his way to the tee, Mickelson made par on the par-3 third hole. His third shot landed just right of the flag and spun back into the hole, showcasing his exceptional touch around the greens. He drained a 20-footer for a birdie on 17 which was no small feat that day. That increased confidence laid the groundwork for the second round.
“I think winning The Open in 2013 was the greatest accomplishment in my career because I had to learn a style of golf that I didn’t grow up playing,” Mickelson remarked, reflecting on his triumph at Muirfield a decade ago. The victory remains a highlight in his storied career and serves as a reminder of his ability to adapt and excel under pressure.
Even as he struggled with his putter, Mickelson maintained his remarkable approach play, hitting more than half his greens in regulation. He lost over three strokes to the field in both short game and putting. The back nine proved to be his greatest test. A couple of bogeys on his card were just enough to muddy his overall score, having stumbled into two bogeys.
Last year, Mickelson finished tied for 60th at Royal Troon and faced challenges in this season’s majors, missing the cut at three of them. He opened the 2019 season with a wire-to-wire victory at Royal Portrush. That has him in a prime spot to continue moving up as he heads into Friday’s second round.
We had a tremendous stretch of weather before the rain set in with full force. It was more that it came in on just the last few holes. After a day dominated by weather, Mickelson was waxing philosophical about the past two days.
Mickelson’s PGA Tour experience and genius were in full display as he walked the course masterfully to his advantage. There’s a big difference between making an adjustment and winning by not knowing the game as well as your opponent.
In conditions such as this you soon realize that accuracy, at 60 or even 80, is king. The next thing you know, making 20- or 30-footers sinkers is well within your grasp. As he is fond of reminding players, what really counts is strategic play under the pressure of adverse circumstances.
Even after an up-and-down day one, Phil Mickelson can look forward to the second round, with hopes of making the cut still alive. His potential at the Open championship is a glimpse into his still vast capabilities. He helps reaffirm the notion that his competitive fire burns hotter than all, even at an age when most golfers dream of retirement.
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