Phil Mickelson is continuing the good form he showed at Castle Stuart. The American has something of a soft spot for the Scottish Open, an event he has played 14 times to prepare for The Open Championship. He destroyed Royal Troon yesterday, his 63 was a course record – and one shot off being the lowest score in a major championship history. It was a masterclass in links golf at a place he loves playing.
63. No bogeys. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/ZT87vRyNIa
— #GCW (@gcw) July 14, 2016
“Beyond that, the nation is the home of golf and I really appreciate the fans’ golfing knowledge and their respect for the game. It’s always one of the highlights of my year when I compete in Scotland.”
There is no doubt his goodwill with the Scottish public is reciprocated. These golf fans appreciate “canny” players who boast a short game that can be improvised if required. Tom Watson, Lee Trevino and Seve Ballesteros were beloved by the Scottish crowds for the same reason.
Phil struts around Troon like he owns the place, and that’s a quality you need when the weather looms over every shot.
Phil just walking around this place like he owns it, ejecting camera men https://t.co/ChTJvoWsyf
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) July 15, 2016
Luck would have it that he finished his second round before the weather got really bad.
Weather update from Troon… #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/K5LIgnmpD7
— CLICKON Golf (@CLICKONGolf) July 15, 2016
The bookies have him as the outright favourite, and sitting dry in the clubhouse at 10 under must feel phenomenal. Here’s how they stand halfway through day two.
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