Mickelson Magic at The Open!

Mickelson Magic at The Open!
Phil Mickelson of the United States plays a shot during the first round on day one of the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 14, 2016 in Troon, Scotland. Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
M. James Ward
Updated:

TROON, SCOTLANDAt five feet away it appeared a new 18-hole scoring record for a major championship would come to past. Within a second -- the ball dipped into the cup only to re-emerge finishing on the lip of the hole. For Phil Mickelson the 16-foot birdie try at the 18th hole during his first round in the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon made for a brilliant day of top tier shotmaking -- eight birdies against no bogeys. The 63 that nearly was a 62.

Since 1973 when Johnny Miller fired a final round 63 to win the US Open at Oakmont -- 26 other golfers have tied the 63 figure. Some have had good opportunities to reach 62 but none was able to do so. Jack Nicklaus missed a putt just inside 3 feet for a 62 in the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol. Greg Norman had to only two-putt from 30 feet for a 62 at Turnberry in the 1986 British Open and took three putts. Tiger Woods Tiger watched his 15-foot putt for 62 spin 270 degrees around the cup in the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills. Nick Price’s birdie putt for a 62 in the 1986 Masters dipped in and out of the cup.

Phil Mickelson reacts after missing a putt on the 18th hole during his first round 63 on the opening day of the 2016 British Open at Royal Troon. (Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images)
Phil Mickelson reacts after missing a putt on the 18th hole during his first round 63 on the opening day of the 2016 British Open at Royal Troon. Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
M. James Ward
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
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