Phil Mickelson makes a birdie off the cart path on Thursday at the Scottish Open

While 2014 has been a really disappointing season for Phil Mickelson, a refresher of what you’re capable of can really turn things around.

A year ago at the Scottish Open, Mickelson won in a playoff, following that up the next week with a Sunday 66 to claim his first ever British Open title and the third leg of his career Grand Slam.

On Thursday at Royal Aberdeen, it was another solid day on the links for Mickelson, who posted a 3-under 68 to find himself in the hunt after day one.

His round was helped when his tee shot on the par-4 13th, a hole we’ve already talked about this morning because of Rory McIlroy’s insane drive, found the cart path, and instead of taking a drop in what could be a questionable lie, he decided to hit it off the path like he has so many times in the past.

His shot landed near the pin, took a hop and then put on the breaks fast, and Phil went on to make the putt for the unexpected birdie.

A year ago at Doral, Mickelson found himself in a similar position, electing to hit the ball off the cart path and making another surprise birdie. After that round, Phil talked with the Golf Channel about what it takes to pull off that shot, and the video is below.

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Shane Bacon is the editor of Devil Ball Golf and Busted Racquet on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shanebaconblogs@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter at @ShaneBacon!

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