But to one man, the Stenson-Mickelson clash topped the 1977 Open at Turnberry.
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Mickelson, a five-time major victor, had never lost one like this. Stenson’s country will know that he is the first male golfer to win a major for Sweden.
As well as equalling the lowest score recorded in any major, which Mickelson had also done in the first round, Stenson’s 63 was only the second recorded in the final round of a major by the eventual victor after Johnny Miller in the 1973 US Open. “I don’t know what game those other guys were playing”. “I’m disappointed that it was at my expense”.
Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, also joined Harrington in hailing the performance Stenson, as well as thath of Mickelson. This wasn’t another Winged Foot, where his silly decision to attack on the 72nd hole cost him the U.S. Open in 2006.
With the loss, Mickelson recorded his 11th career runner-up in a major, putting him behind only Nicklaus, whose runner-ups (19) actually surpass his record win total (18). Just one stroke separated them on Sunday and for the tournament.
In a way, maybe even a little more.
Yet Mickelson, 46, was going to need time to process whether all that great play meant much since he lost, though his previous five major wins will no doubt be of some long-term comfort. I don’t look back on anything and say, ‘I should have done this differently or that.’ I played well enough to win this championship by a number of strokes, and I get beat my three strokes. Usually that’s good enough to do it. “I’m just delighted I managed to do that with a couple of birdies at the right time on the final stretch”, he said. He also equalled the lowest single round ever at a major tournament. On Moving Day, the World Golf Hall of Famers each fired 7-under 65s to get to 7 under – three clear of Ben Crenshaw, the next closest – to set up the incredible Sunday showdown in Scotland. Many times, in fact.
The pair went head to head throughout a thrilling final round at Royal Troon but in the end it was Stenson who prevailed on 20 under after shooting a stunning 63.
But Royal Troon gave us a Duel in the Sun after all. His score of 267 was 11 strokes better than third-place J.B.
“I was fortunate to watch every second of today’s final round of the Open Championship”, Nicklaus explained on social media, “and I thought it was fantastic”. Our final round was really good, but theirs was even better. “What a great match”. A two-shot lead for Stenson. Stenson’s second shot rolled off the right side of the green, leaving him with a 50-foot putt up the ridge.
A shell-shocked Mickelson rammed home four birdies and an eagle in a closing round of 65 – and was left flabbergasted.
That was the decisive blow. “What a great match today”. “He’s been one of the best to play the game, certainly in the last 20 years”. He tied Jason Day’s record for lowest under par set a year ago at the PGA Championship.
For Mickelson, it’s a chance to get over the sting of such a bitter defeat. Holmes and would have won 140 of the 145 Opens played.
Except for Stenson. When it’s your time, it’s your time.
“We’re only getting started, aren’t we?” he said, a newfound confidence in his voice.
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Anyone’s shooting a 63 is just not supposed to happen in a U.S. Open.
