British Open, Final Round: Phil Mickelson has round for the ages to claim first British Open

There is only one story coming out of Muirfield from this Sunday and it’s the final round by Phil Mickelson. A 5-under 66 on Sunday was not only the round of the week, but maybe the round of Phil’s career, capped off by a four birdie run over his last six holes to grab the Claret Jug from a list of worthy competitors.

Mickelson’s golf game wasn’t born for links golf, but he has worked for years to figure out a way to be competitive with this different style of golf. Sunday put all that hard work on display, and considering the other scores, it was one of the better rounds you’ll ever see.

It takes a round like the one Mickelson put up to make us all forget about Tiger Woods’ chances at a 15th major championship, but it was another tough weekend for the No. 1 player in the game.

Tiger couldn’t get anything going on Sunday, three-putting two of his first four holes, making just four birdies the entire weekend.

Besides Phil and Henrik Stenson it was a tough day for all the leaders.

The two that struggled the most? Both players in the final pairing. Hunter Mahan and Lee Westwood both had major hopes but it was a pair of 75s that dropped them out of contention.

Tiger Woods and Adam Scott both left Muirfield without a Claret Jug, but there was a nice exchange between Woods and Scott’s caddie on Sunday after the round. A lot has been made about Steve Williams and Tiger, but I thought the exchange between the two on the 18th green was great.

It’s easy to say the putt on the 72nd hole that Mickelson drained was the shot of the tournament, but I’d say the three-wood he hit into the 17th hole was his best swing of the day and the one that sealed the win for Phil.

With the wind and that club it could have ended up anywhere (remember what Tiger Woods did on Saturday on the 17th hole with a three-wood?), but Phil smashed it on the green, allowing him a comfortable two-putt for birdie.

The British Open just wrapped, but we are only a few weeks from the PGA Championship. The PGA Tour heads to Oak Hill on August 8 for the final major of the season, so check back with us as we count down the days until glory’s last shot.

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