Phil Mickelson predicted that fellow LIV golfer Henrik Stenson would win a major because of his long iron mastery, but Stenson overcame Mickelson in the 2016 Royal Troon Open Championship.
Before the 2016 Open Championship, Phil Mickelson told fellow LIV member Henrik Stenson that he would win the major one day and complimented the Swedish player on his long iron play on the links.
The 54-year-old LIV Golf pro had no idea that Stenson would beat him in one of the most memorable Open championships in golf history by a tiny margin. The match at Royal Troon is regarded by golf fans as one of the game’s most thrilling duel encounters. This was brought on by a thrilling match between Stenson and Mickelson in the final round.
Henrik, you’re among the greatest long iron players in the history of the game, Mickelson remarked prior to the competition. The best Mickelson has ever seen,” he informed him. “Your major will be won by you.”
On the last day, Stenson had a minuscule one-shot lead over Mickelson. With Stenson shooting 63 and Mickelson 65 in the third round, both players were playing at their best, setting up a match that was deadlocked through 13 holes.
Stenson and Mickelson exchanged blows throughout the final round, hitting spectacular shots and making critical putts. With steely composure, Stenson made ten birdies, including a crucial one on the 18th hole, to clinch the win. He broke the record for the lowest score within par in a major championship when he finished with a score of 20 under par.
Mickelson shot a 65, which would have won the championship in almost any other Open Championship, as he played like a man possessed. Despite making five birdies in his last round, he was unable to overtake the unrelenting Stenson.
It was a fight reminiscent of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson’s “Duel in the Sun” at the 1977 Open Championship. Under extreme pressure, Stenson and Mickelson both performed with objective skill and poise. Stenson’s triumph marked his first significant championship win, and it followed years of near misses and near calls. He finished third in the 2013 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, tied for third in 2010, and finished second in 2013.
Although it was yet another heartbreaking near-miss in a major for Mickelson, he once again demonstrated why he is considered as one of the best players of his generation. The golf legend missed out on the Open Championship in 2016, but he has already won six major championships, including the coveted Masters green jacket in 2004 and 2006.
Ironically, Mickelson defeated Stenson by three strokes to win the 2013 Open as well. In the present, Mickelson and Stenson are both expected to compete in the Open Championship, which is slated to take place from July 18 to July 21.
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