Golf News

News

  • News
  • Masters
  • Leaderboard
  • Features
  • Competitions
  • Schedule
  • Rankings
  • Video
  • Pundits
  • On Sky
  • Sky Bet

Scottish Open: Phil Mickelson admits victory is ideal preparation for Open Championship

Phil Mickelson admits he is now looking to add the Open Championship to his Scottish Open victory next week.

Last Updated: 18/07/13 9:24am

Phil Mickelson ended a 21 year wait for a victory on British soil by winning The Scottish Open.
Phil Mickelson ended a 21 year wait for a victory on British soil by winning The Scottish Open.

The 43-year-old overcame a potentially disastrous three-putt bogey at his last hole to beat Branden Grace in a play-off at Castle Stuart on Sunday.

Afterwards Mickelson was able to joke about his error, but insisted the week as a whole had been the ideal preparation for the third major of the season which takes place at Muirfield next week.

"This is really cool," the American told Sky Sports. "I have been coming here for some time and had some opportunities and I almost let it slip away today. To come out on top was terrific. It's very special for me to have some success over here.

"It's been the biggest challenge of my career, adapting to links-style golf and this was a great challenge in the final round in some difficult conditions. I played some good golf to come out on top and this is really fulfilling and special.

Lost focus

"I was so mad at myself for mentally losing my focus that I came out on that 18th pretty focused to make a four. (But) nobody likes a movie that's predictable. You always want to have a little bit of suspense."

Asked if it was possible to win back-to-back events and lift the Claret Jug for the first time next week, Mickelson added: "I certainly hope so. I don't think there is a better way to get ready for a major championship than playing the week before and getting into contention and coming out on top just gives me more confidence.

"But there's a lot of luck involved in the Open. You need some luck with your tee times, you need to play well and have some good bounces.

"This really was valuable (preparation), not only for the things I did well but because I have a few things I need to work on.

"Today was a great day to have this type of weather because the first three days were very benign. I am anticipating this type of weather next week and if we get it, this week is going to be very important."

Also See:

  • EuroTour Schedule
  • Watch online
  • Golf live on Sky Sports

Trending

  • 1
    Khan returns with whirlwind win
  • 2
    Is Poch thinking of leaving Spurs?
  • 3
    Pep: We won it my way
  • 4
    Klopp: We were 'pretty sure' on Salah
  • 5
    McLaren readying big upgrade
  • 6
    Kell: I'll destroy Khan
  • 7
    Sanchez thanked Wenger over texts
  • 8
    Papers: PSG want Wenger as president
  • 9
    Broner and Vargas in draw
  • 10
    Wenger: Mustafi confidence low
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Motorsport
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • WWE
    • eSports
    • More Sports
    • Winter Olympics
    • Commonwealth Games
    • Joshua vs Parker
  • Score Centre
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Competitions
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Pub Finder
    • Team Sky
    • Sportswomen
    • Sports Scholarships
    • Clubs in Communities
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Living for Sport
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Sky.com
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
    • Team Sky
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Sky Sports Pub Finder
    • Living for Sport
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Corporate
    • Sky For Businesses
    • Now TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Sky Academy
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Work for Sky
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

©2018 Sky UK