Phil Mickelson Closes The Back Nine at the British Open With Four Birdies in the Last Six Holes to Win Claret Jug

Phil Mickelson entered the final round of the British Open five strokes behind Lee Westwood. He was at +1 through 12 holes, grouped up with several other golfers hoping to lift the Claret Jug. Over the last six holes, though, Phil caught fire and simply played one of the best closing stretches possible in a major, coming home with four birdies in the final six holes. That included consecutive birdies on the last two holes to move from the lead to Westwood basically needing to match Phil with a tremendous closing stretch, which he has been unable to do.

Westwood is four strokes back with just one hole remaining, guaranteeing Phil and his scintillating final round 66 his first British Open win and fifth Major. This masterful finish alleviates the pain of almost winning his first U.S. Open just a month ago.