The return of the Open Championship to Royal Troon this week will bring back memories for former champions, but for Phil Mickelson, it will be a heartbreaking reminder. Mickelson, a six-time major, won the claret once in 2013 at Muirfield. However, he came incredibly close to winning it again three years later at Troon in a duel with Henrik Stenson.
Mickelson started the day one shot behind Stenson but quickly took the lead with a remarkable birdie on the first hole. Despite shooting a superb six-under par 65, he was ultimately bested by Stenson’s incredible 63, falling short by three shots.
In addition to missing out on the victory, Mickelson also set an unwanted record. His overall score of 267 was, at the time, the lowest ever total for a runner-up in a major championship. Eight years later, Stenson has shared that Mickelson’s caddie, Steve Loy, confided in him at the US PGA Championship, revealing that missing out on the win had haunted Mickelson.
During their conversation, Mickelson admitted that it was the first time in his career that he had played so well yet failed to walk away with the trophy. Both players were part of a historic duel and a memorable moment in the history of The Open. Stenson acknowledges that he could talk about that Open for hours, but he understands that Mickelson may not want to.
Overall, Mickelson’s near victory at Troon continues to be a bittersweet memory for him, as he reflects on what could have been.