Phil Mickelson wins Scottish Open
San Diego’s favorite son pitches one of only a handful of shots taken around the 18th green during Tuesday’s practice round (his only practice round) at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, CA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Phil Mickelson was able to defeat Branden Grace on the first playoff hole to win the 2013 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links.
What Happened
Mickelson started the day in the final group alongside Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, and he needed just a par on the par-5 18th to secure the victory, but he three-putted from about twenty feet, making him level with Grace. Both players went back to the 18th tee for the playoff, and Mickelson nearly holed out a wedge from off of the green before tapping in for his birdie. When Grace missed his long attempt, Mickelson had his second win of the 2013 golf season.
Final Leaderboard
- 1. Phil Mickelson -18 *wins in playoff*
- 2. Branden Grace -18
- T3. JB Hansen -15
- T3. Henrik Stenson -15
- T5. Martin Laird -14
- T5. Gareth Maybin -14
- T5. John Parry -14
What The Win Means For Mickelson
Realistically, the win itself doesn’t mean much for Mickelson in terms of what he earned or where he moves in the world rankings, but what it does do is allow him to feel like he’s ready to go for next week’s Open Championship. He usually comes over here to play the Scottish Open because it allows him to prepare better for the third major of the year, but it hasn’t exactly helped him at the Open. We all know about his track record there, but maybe this will give him the kick start that he needs. Nobody has ever won the Scottish Open and gone on to win the Open Championship after that, so the odds aren’t exactly in his favour. It’s also worth noting that the last time the Open was held at Muirfield, Mickelson finished tied for 66th.
It’s only his second win on European soil, and his first since the 1993 Tournoi Perrier Paris on the European Challenge Tour. Also, since he was already qualified for the Open, the next guy on the list got in as a result of this victory. That guy: Scott Stallings.
Other Notes
- Notables to miss the cut: Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Stephen Gallacher, Ricardo Santos, Jeev Milkha Singh, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Ernie Els, Sandy Lyle, Robert Rock, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Pablo Larrazabal, Alex Noren, Michael Thompson, Jose Maria Olazabal and Scott Jamieson.
- Other notable finishes: Nicolas Colsaerts (T8), Peter Uihlein (T10), David Lynn (T17), Paul Casey and Alvaro Quiros (T24), Shane Lowry and Richard Sterne (T24), Francesco Molinari (T42), Paul Lawrie (T49), Matteo Manassero (T57), Thongchai Jaidee (66th) and Thorbjorn Olesen (67th).
- The big one that stands out from the missed cut group is Els, who has won this event twice in the past and was looking for a good run-up ahead of his Open Championship title defense.
- Castle Stuart was once again a solid host for the event, and even though it might not be the most typical links style course out there, it was highly entertaining for the fans and the players seem to enjoy it. I’m still a little surprised that more big names don’t make the move over a week earlier, but perhaps that will change in 2014.
AdamSarson.com 
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