Stenson didn’t have long to celebrate lifting the Claret Jug before flying to Switzerland early on Monday morning to take part in Ryder Cup teammate Garcia’s charity event.
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Stenson, 40, became the first male Swedish golfer to win a major championship and moved to No. 5 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Meanwhile, the 49-year-old American Steve Stricker finished fourth. Other notable finishes included Rory McIlroy tying for fifth at four-under and Dustin Johnson finishing tied for ninth at two-under in a pair of strong outings that were understandably overlooked based on the incredible battle at the top of the leaderboard.
Asked what he put that down to, Stenson replied: “The experience and the way links golf plays”.
Stenson finished with a 20-under-264 while Mickelson shot 267.
The two were neck-and-neck on the back nine after Stenson missed a par putt at the risky 11th hole, but he made the difference with a stunning run of three straight birdies from the 14th. Jesper in particular twice. It’s just disappointing for me to finish second, but we’ve got a great champ. But he can not relax for long.
The former Dubai resident, who was already assured of a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, went toe-to-toe with Mickelson in one of the most fascinating Major championship final round duels in history.
For those who witnessed it live or via television, it was a rare moment that will be talked about forever in the game of golf.
“I’m happy with the way I played, but disappointed it wasn’t enough. It’s going to be quite an experience”, he said. You know, it’s not like I have decades left of opportunities to win majors, so each one means a lot to me.
“That was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen, not only from Stenson, but Mickelson was unbelievable too”.
Jacklin said it was every bit as good as the memorable “Duel in the Sun” when Tom Watson edged out Jack Nicklaus in another ding-dong tussle in the British Open at nearby Turnberry 39 years ago.
Small wonder that Mickelson calls it the “best I’ve played and not won”.
Stenson’s game through the week with rounds of 68-65-68-63 suggested a different level of golf, which saw him total 20-under, which I believe is among the very best shot at a Major. Our final round was really good, but theirs was even better.
Henrik Stenson, 40, beat Phil Mickelson, 46, by three strokes, but even in the loss Phil gained a larger chunk of respect from me because he played like a champion.
That tied the record low 63 Mickelson shot in Thursday’s opening round.
278: J B Holmes 70-70-69-69.
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Steve Stricker (69) of the U.S. was in fourth place on 279, one in front of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton of England and Spaniard Sergio Garcia.
