Mickelson falls agonizingly short of record-breaking 62 at Royal Troon

Phil Mickelson came agonizingly close to carding the first 62 in major championship history at The Open on Friday.

The American, aiming to win the Claret Jug for the second time in three years, approached the last hole eight under through 17 having produced a magnificent performance in his opening round at Royal Troon.

After making the turn at four under, Mickelson recorded a fifth birdie at the 10th, before a 25-foot putt at the 14th moved the American ahead of clubhouse leader Patrick Reed.

Mickelson then recovered having found the bunker at the 16th to post another gain and kept his composure to drain a further birdie a hole later.

The 46-year-old’s tee shot at the 18th was slightly wayward, but his subsequent approach left him 16 feet for birdie.

But fortune was not on the five-time major champion’s side as he lipped out despite judging the line and the speed almost perfectly, although he can take solace in a three-shot lead over compatriot Reed.

1st to shoot 63 at Royal Troon
8th to shoot 63 at The Open
26th to shoot 63 in a Major

Some round. pic.twitter.com/U28fKLAmyc

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 14, 2016