Phil Mickelson came *this* close to making golf history Thursday.
The five-time major winner got off to a blazing start at the British Open, tackling Royal Troon in Scotland with a dominating first-round performance. Mickelson took full advantage of uncharacteristically nice weather and played one of the best rounds of his life.
Mickelson walked to the 18th hole with an 8-under-par score and a chance at history. Had Mickelson birdied 18, he would finish the round with a 9-under 62, the first time in golf history that anyone shot a 62 at a major.
After a solid tee shot — Mickelson backed off driver at the last second before hitting a 3-wood — the left-hander hit an approach shot within birdie range. Mickelson read the putt as well as you could and gave it a great roll, but unfortunately for him, golf is a cruel sport …
Phil Mickelson was THISSSS close to the first 62 in major history. pic.twitter.com/kCluso8RHV
— Faizal Khamisa (@FaizalKhamisa) July 14, 2016
And that’s how close Mickelson came to making history. Instead, he joins a relatively large group of those who came oh-so-close to 62.
Rounds of 63 in a major: 28
Rounds of 62 in a major: 0— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) July 14, 2016
Photo/thumbnail photo via Golf Channel live stream
