Phil Mickelson made to regret confident 2016 Open remark to LIV Golf ally
Henrik Stenson defeated Phil Mickelson in the 2016 Royal Troon Open Championship after Mickelson predicted that his fellow LIV golfer would win a major due to his long iron mastery
Before the 2016 Open Championship, Phil Mickelson praised fellow LIV golf member Henrik Stenson for his long iron play on the links and assured the Swedish golfer that he would win the major competition one day.
Little did the 54-year-old LIV Golf pro know that Stenson would defeat him by a narrow margin in one of the greatest Open championships in golf history. Golf fans have recognized the contest at Royal Troon as one of the most electrifying duels in golf. This was due to a final-round clash between Stenson and Mickelson that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Before the competition, Mickelson said, “Henrik, you’re one of the best long iron players in the game's history. The best I’ve ever seen,” Mickelson told him. “You’re going to win your major.”
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Stenson started the final day with a razor-thin one-shot lead over Mickelson. Both players were in maximum form, with Stenson carding a 63 and Mickelson a 65 in the third round, setting the stage for a showdown, deadlocked through 13 holes.
As the final round unfolded, Stenson and Mickelson traded blow after blow, each delivering incredible shots and sinking crucial putts. With nerves of steel, Stenson racked up ten birdies, including a clutch one on the 18th hole to seal his victory. He finished with a score of 20 under par, shattering the record for the lowest score about par in a major championship.
Playing like a man possessed, Mickelson fired a 65—an outstanding score that would have clinched the title in almost any other Open Championship. He notched five birdies in his final round but couldn’t quite catch the relentless Stenson.
The battle was reminiscent of the "Duel in the Sun" between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at the 1977 Open Championship. Both Stenson and Mickelson played with objective skill and composure under immense pressure. Stenson’s victory was his first major championship win, an accomplishment that came after years of close calls and near misses. He finished second in 2013, tied for third in 2010, and finished third in the 2013 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
For Mickelson, it was another heartbreaking near-miss in a major, yet he once again proved why he’s regarded as one of the most excellent players of his generation. The 2016 Open Championship escaped him, but the golf icon is no stranger to winning majors with six under his belt, including capturing the coveted Masters green jacket in 2004 and 2006.
Mickelson also won the 2013 Open by three strokes, ironically defeating Stenson. Fast-forward to now and the Open Championship is scheduled for July 18 through 21, with Mickelson and Stenson both set to compete.
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