Phil Mickelson gives his honest opinion on the fans that turned up for day one of The Open at Royal Portrush

Add as preferred source on Google

Phil Mickelson was among the early starters at The Open Championship, and he was among the players to impress.

Mickelson carded a one-under 70 in his first round of The Open, a major championship he has won once in his glittering career.

The American finished his Thursday at Royal Portrush Golf Club with three birdies, 13 pars and two bogeys.

Mickelson has improved his short game ahead of The Open, with his 2013 success representing one of his six major championship wins.

And he certainly produced in that area at Portrush, particularly with a superb hole out from the bunker on the third hole.

Phil Mickelson gives his opinion on The Open fans at Royal Portrush on day one

The fans in Northern Ireland were delighted at the shot rolling into the hole, and Mickelson shared his verdict on those fans after his round.

Mickelson commented: “The people here are just so nice. They’re very warm and receptive for everybody.

READ MORE: The Open Championship: Tee times, featured groups, Royal Portrush weather forecast and more

“I think they’re very appreciative too that The Open has come back here. And we as players are very appreciative too because it’s such a great golf course.”

Phil Mickelson says what is the ‘greatest accomplishment’ of his career

The fans certainly turned up in their numbers in County Antrim, where there has been plenty of support for Mickelson.

They will, of course, be the most receptive for Rory McIlroy, who was born and raised in Holywood, Northern Ireland.

READ MORE: Phil Mickelson makes his first comment on Grant Horvat rejecting the chance to play in a PGA Tour event

But they appreciate good golf, and Mickelson gave them plenty to cheer about with his fine start to The Open.

The veteran is now making his 31st appearance at the major, which he won at Muirfield Golf Links 12 years ago.

Asked how much pride he takes in adapting his game to this style after those dozen years, he replied: “I think winning The Open in 2013 was the greatest accomplishment in my career because I had to learn a style of golf that I didn’t grow up playing.

“It’s kind of the greatest source of pride for me as a player to overcome those obstacles. Now I’ve come to really love it, enjoy it, and I seem to play well in some of the adverse conditions too.”

Adverse conditions are certainly at play at Royal Portrush, where thunderstorms could soon join the wind and rain.

But for now Mickelson sits pretty on the leaderboard, and will be keen for another positive display in round two.