Phil Mickelson says Henrik Stenson did something in the 2016 Open which he’s never seen anyone do again

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Phil Mickelson has shared what he saw Henrik Stenson do in the 2016 Open Championship that he has never seen from another player.

Few will forget the final day of the 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon, when Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson blew the rest of the field away before duelling over the Claret Jug.

Ultimately, it was Stenson who got the job done, shooting a 63 in the final round to beat Mickelson by three in South Ayrshire. Meanwhile, JB Holmes finished third despite being 11 shots back of his countryman.

Stenson managed to pull away in the final few holes, and it seems that a number of moments within that final round continue to live with both men involved in that final group.

Phil Mickelson shares what Henrik Stenson did in 2016 Open he’s not seen again

Speaking to LIV Golf, Mickelson spoke about the tee shot Stenson hit on 17 which appeared to defy all logic of links golf – and, in his mind, has not been replicated since either.

“Now, what I don’t understand, and in watching you play in that thick, heavy wind, because I’m hitting these low shots, kind of running it, knocking down, you would just strike it and the ball would soar right up into the air, and the wind wouldn’t touch it,” he said.

“I remember a shot you hit on 17, I’m like, oh, that’s 40 yards short. It launched way up into the air and just never loses its flight, the wind’s blowing 20, that thick, heavy links air, and it comes down four feet from the hole, with the four iron. I’m like what the, what is that?

“I hadn’t seen a ball penetrate the sky like that, and I’m trying to hit these little low knock down shots, you would strike it so solidly that the wind wouldn’t affect it. You’re the only person I’ve ever seen do that.”

Links golf a test like few others

What both players did in that tournament appeared to defy what was possible, with the pair finishing so far ahead of everyone else in the field. Those tied for 18th that week at Troon finished 20 shots behind Stenson.

It is particularly remarkable when someone appears to master links golf, because it is so different to what the world’s best play most weeks.

There is a lot of luck involved when it comes to bounces and breaks, but having that ability to play all kinds of shots depending on the conditions that particular day, or even on that particular hole, is vital if someone is going to shine at The Open.