Phil Mickelson, long the lovable foil for the stoically focused Tiger Woods, was able to come away from the Scottish Open with a title, ending a 20-year winless drought in Europe.
Mickelson needed a three-hole, sudden death playoff to overcome Branden Grace, but he managed to get the win. Mickelson shot from 45 yards away, launching a beauty that landed about a foot from the cup on the 18th hole, forcing Grace to make a perfect 25-foot shot.
Grace wasn't able to make it, and Lefty emerged victorious. "I almost let it slip away, but to come out on top feels terrific," Mickelson said. With the "winning in Europe" monkey off his back, Mickelson now sets his sights on the British Open at Muirfield, where he will likely tee off as the world's No. 5.
Mickelson joked about the drama, saying, "Nobody likes a movie that is predictable. You always want to have a little bit of suspense." He did chide himself for some lapses throughout the tournament that nearly cost him victory, including misses on some short putts. "I was so mad at myself after mentally losing my focus," he said.
"Although I did a lot of things well, I have certainly things to work on," he added. "Today was great for us to have this type of weather."
When asked about this week's British Open, Mickelson said, "I don't think there's a better way to get ready for a major championship or an Open Championship than playing the week before, playing well the week before and getting into contention. And coming out on top just gives me more confidence."
Mickelson will need to be as sharp as possible mentally at Muifield, where Tiger Woods will be lurking. Woods is coming off poor performances in his last two tournaments, but claims the elbow injury that was hampering him is fine now.
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