Henrik Stenson delighted to dominate Royal Troon rivalry with Phil Mickelson – Golf News

It was a game that broke or equaled all kinds of records, not to mention Phil Mickelson's heart.

The last time Royal Troon hosted the Open Championship in 2016, Sweden's Henrik Stenson came out on top in a stunning shootout with Mickelson to win his only major title and lift the Claret Jug.

Stenson carded a closing 63 to become only the second player ever to finish 20 under par, equaling the record set by Jason Day at last year's US PGA Championship.

As well as tying the lowest score recorded at any major at the time, which Mickelson had done in the first round, it was only the second 63 in the final round to win a major after Johnny Miller at the 1973 US Open. in Oakmont.

Stenson's 72-hole total of 264 also surpassed the best set by David Toms at the 2001 US PGA and was three shy of the previous Open record set by Greg Norman at Sandwich in 1993.

Mickelson started the final round just one behind Stenson and carded a closing 65, but finished three behind as he combined for 14 birdies and an eagle, reviving memories of the 'Duel in the Sun' between Tom Watson and -Jack Nicklaus at nearby Turnberry. 1977.

Eight years on, the characters will travel to Troon after competing in the latest LIV Golf event at Valderrama, where they are looking at one of the biggest Open Championships of recent times.

“I'm looking forward to it,” Stenson said.

“There have been a few Opens since then but it will be special to be back in a good place with Phil. It was a great week of golf for both of us. Fortunately for me, I was the one who drew the long straw and came away with the win.

“I was 40 at the time and I didn't know how many chances I would get to win a major title. Facing Phil, I knew I was in for a real challenge.

“I knew what I was up against and I think that helped me to just go after myself and bring my best and, luckily for me, I was able to do that. As they say, the rest is history.”

Mickelson had beaten Stenson into second place at Muirfield three years ago and admits he still can't believe his closing 65 wasn't good enough to secure a second Open title.

“It's the only time I can remember in my career where I played my best golf and it wasn't enough to win,” said the left-hander.

“I've been trying to put it in my hands. Like if I play my game, if I play well, it will be good enough, and it was until that week.

But still I really enjoyed that week. I look back happily even though I didn't win. I loved the 36 holes the weekend we played, head to head.

“We had a really good time because it's about that. It's not about the trophy as much as it is about the process. I thought I played a good last round and thought a 65 would be enough.

“Even though I came up short, I thought it was really fun to be a part of that.”