Phil Mickelson Wins 2013 British Open
Mickelson shot a 5-under under the final 18 holes, for a 66 and he finished three shots under par for the entire British Open. No other golfer was in striking distance to Mickelson, as Henrik Stenson finished in second place three strokes behind. In fact, Mickelson and Stenson were the only two that were not over par at this year's British open.
"This is such an accomplishment for me because I just never knew if I'd be able to develop the game to play links golf effectively," Mickelson said. "To play the best round arguably of my career, to putt better than I've ever putted, to shoot the round of my life, it feels amazing to win the Claret Jug."
Tiger Woods was in second place heading into Sunday, but he struggled miserably on his last 18 holes. Woods shot a 74 on Sunday, and stumbled his way towards finishing tied for sixth place. Among all golfers since 2004, Mickelson's five majors won only trails Woods' six.
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Englishman Lee Westwood started Sunday with a two-stroke lead on the field, trying to win in his native country like Andy Murray did in tennis at Wimbledon a few weeks ago. However, he shot a final round 75 and finished tied for third with one over par.
After birdying his final hole, Mickelson raised his arms in the air and emotionally hugged his caddy then embraced his wife and three children. Mickelson just needs to win the U.S. Open to complete the career Grand Slam, a feat that only five golfers have ever accomplished.
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