PHIL MICKELSON MADE light work of testing conditions on the final day of the 2013 British Open to card a five-under-par 66 to win by three strokes.
Mickelson, who started the day at two-over-par, made four birdies in the last six holes when all around him were struggling.
Overnight leader, Lee Westwood, carded a four-over-par 75 to finish on one over par while Tiger Woods (+2), Adam Scott (+1) and Hunter Mahan (+3) all saw their challenge fade on the back nine.
Speaking to the BBC, Mickelson said: “To shoot arguably my best round of my career, to putt better than I’ve ever putted and to shoot the round of my life here… it just feels amazing to win this Claret Jug.”
Image: TheScore
The 43-year-old left hander carded the best round of the day, surpassing Ian Pouter’s earlier 67 which had catapulted the charismatic Englishman into the clubhouse lead on +1.
Earlier in the day, Matthew Fitzpatrick claimed the Silver Medal for best amateur after finishing on +10.
Former champion Darren Clarke (+7) finished best of the Irish ahead of Shane Lowry (+9), Padraig Harrington (+11) and Graeme McDowell (+12).