Stenson, Mickelson forever linked after epic Open duel

Granted there were similarities, but to hope Henrik Stenson battling Phil Mickelson in final round of the 145 British Open at Royal Troon might be as gripping as Tom Watson vs. Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977 seemed far-fetched.

With 10 birdies, including four on the back nine to hold off Mickelson, who at 46 was trying to become the oldest victor of the Open since Old Tom Morris back in the 19th century, Stenson finished at 20-under 264, the lowest total ever shot in a major and three shots clear of the lowest total in the Open.

“It certainly crossed my mind a little bit out there today, that match when Jack and Tom went head-to-head there in ’77”, said Mickelson, who turned 7 a month before that British Open.

“He has a great family and I am very excited for them”. “I really felt the support here even though Phil is a popular Major champion, so I really want to thank the fans who were pushing me”.

“I threw as much at him as I could, and he didn’t make any mistakes”, Mickelson said of Stenson on the NBC broadcast.

Stenson’s first major title at the 42nd attempt came after two other thirds in the Open in 2008 and 2010.

“It’s probably the best I’ve played and not won”, Mickelson said, trying to figure out how a 17-under 267 finished three shots behind Stenson.

Stenson added: “I know playing against Phil he is never going to ease off”. I am happy that he did. He’s really a great champion.

“I lost a dear friend on Wednesday morning, Mike Gerbich”, Stenson was quoted as saying by the Daily Express.

“I’ve always thought he is one of the best ball-strikers in the game and that major championships are perfectly suited for him”. “… I’m happy with where my game has come this year. I’m disappointed that it was at my expense”.

Henrik Stenson held off Phil Mickelson in a thrilling Open duel – and then claimed passing his driving test had been a bigger achievement.

Whether or not he looks back on it with fondness or as the one that got away, he was not sure.

“At this point I’m running on adrenaline, but it’ll get to the stage where I’ll struggle to make it up the stairs when I get back to the house!”

Stenson two-putted from long range there for his third straight birdie and the pair traded birdies on the par-five sixth to remain tied for the lead, before world number six Stenson edged in front again with a birdie on the eighth.

Everybody was in the same position as Rory McIlroy, seeking to take positives away from Royal Troon after being blown away by two brilliant rivals.

But he says he feels “privileged” to be the first Swedish man to finally win a major. I knew that he would ultimately come through and win.

He had started with a 63 to equal the lowest ever round in a major, but Stenson repeated that feat on Sunday with 10 birdies on his way to lifting the Claret Jug.

It was the first time all day the two had been separated by more than a single shot – they were tied on eight holes, Stenson led by one on five others – and there was no way back.

Meanwhile, Mickelson just failed to convert an eagle putt at 16, effectively killing his chances.

“We both played some great golf”, Stenson told reporters.

A shell-shocked Mickelson rammed home four birdies and an eagle in a closing round of 65 – and was left flabbergasted. It almost earned him an exemption into next year’s British Open at Birkdale, but Southgate missed out by one stroke.

The resulting birdie took Mickelson to the top of the leaderboard and he nearly chipped in for another on the second, but it was Stenson who found the bottom of the cup from 15 feet to draw level.