The ‘special’ round Phil Mickelson suggested was the best of his entire career

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While Phil Mickelson’s legacy has perhaps been tainted slightly over the last few years, there is no doubt at all that he will be remembered as one of the most talented golfers of all-time.

Certainly, Phil Mickelson has had a way of captivating fans that few others in the game have had. And he was perhaps the most consistent rival of Tiger Woods‘ career, with Lefty winning his first PGA Tour event all the way back in 1991.

Mickelson has won six majors during his illustrious career, including three Masters titles. And he made history at the 2021 PGA Championship as he became the oldest major champion of all-time at Kiawah Island.

So he is certainly not struggling for options when it comes to the greatest rounds of his career. Some even came in events Mickelson did not even win – such as the 2016 Open Championship when he had that phenomenal duel with Henrik Stenson.

The round Phil Mickelson picked out as the best of his career

Perhaps the major Mickelson looked least likely to win during the first half of his career was The Open Championship. He made his debut in the event in 1991, but would not register a top 10 in that major until 2004.

But in 2013, Mickelson came from five shots back ahead of the final round to win by three. He birdied three of his final five holes to get his hands on the Claret Jug. And speaking after his triumph, the American suggested that he has probably not played better.

“This is just an amazing feeling winning this great championship. And to play probably the best round of my career and hit some of the best shots that I’ve ever hit. Certainly putt better than I’ve ever putted,” he said.

“You know, I was getting ready for today and I just thought I need to bring my “A” game today. I just need to bring it. I need to show up and play some of my best golf. And I did. I played some of the best golf of my career. It feels amazing to have this championship.

“And then to make it even more special, to have Amy, Amanda, Sophia, Evan here; to share this with Bones; to have Steve Loy who’s been with me back from my college days all the way through; to have Butch Harmon here to share this moment, it really is special. It’s a day that I’ll always cherish, always remember.”

How Mickelson has struggled at The Open throughout his career

Since that win at Muirfield, Mickelson has been a US Open win away from completing the career grand slam. And that wait continues.

But it is The Open which has, by some distance, caused him the most problems over the years. He is in double figures for top 10s at all of the majors except The Open. Meanwhile, it is also the major where he has missed the cut most often.

His tied 60th finish at Royal Troon in 2024 was the first time he had made the cut at the event since 2018.

So you can understand why he viewed that final round in 2013 as the best of his career.