Phil Mickelson rolled back the years on day one of The Open Championship on Thursday.
Mickelson posted a hugely impressive opening round of one-under par 70 at The Open, and he looked completely in control throughout his round.
After his round on day one, Mickelson actually fielded questions about YouTuber Grant Horvat, which was slightly bizarre given the quality of his golf.
The 55-year-old can clearly still compete at the very highest level of the game.
Whether he is able to maintain his concentration for four straight days remains to be seen, though.
One thing’s for sure, if Mickelson does get in trouble, he has arguably the best short game of all time at his disposal to help bail him out.
Phil Mickelson played ‘crazy’ shot on day one at The Open Championship
Mickelson thrilled the galleries at Royal Portrush on Thursday.
However, one shot stood out as a particularly special one.
The six-time major champion found the bunker from his tee shot on the par three third hole.
His ball plugged under the lip, and he was unable to get it out of the sand. Then, Mickelson produced some absolute magic.
The 45-time PGA Tour winner holed out from the bunker, after a quite miraculous shot.
Pat Perez said Mickelson is the best bunker player of all time, and it’s hard to argue against him in that regard.
Can Phil Mickelson beat his own major record?
Mickelson is already the oldest major winner of all time, after his victory at The PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in 2021.
He was 50 at the time, and that achievement was a truly spectacular one.
However, could he shock the golfing world by winning The Open at 55?
It’s highly unlikely, but if he chips and putts well for the remaining three days, it wouldn’t be a complete shock if he contends at the very least.
Mickelson is a special, special golfer, and he is the type of golfer who always seems to thrive when fans and journalists write him off.
Maybe, just maybe, he has one more big win in him.
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