With a win in his lone appearance, Ben Hogan consecrated the British Open in 1953. Since then, every great American golfer has won multiple British titles — Tom Watson (five), Tiger Woods (three), Jack Nicklaus (three), Arnold Palmer (two) and Lee Trevino (two).
Which brings us to Phil Mickelson. Great American golfer? Yes. British Open titles? None yet.
With Woods out after undergoing season-ending knee surgery, is this Mickelson’s time? The Open Championship begins today at Royal Birkdale.
“I’ve practiced hard. I’ve developed a good game plan,” said Mickelson. “I am excited to compete against whoever is in the field.”
When a questioner pressed the issue, asking “you can’t say anything in particular about Tiger,” Mickelson replied: “Oh, I’m sure I could,” drawing laughs, then resumed his discourse on his preparations.
“Last week I was able to identify some of the areas that needed improvement,” he said. “Now all I care about is getting those areas of strength. … With tit blowing as strong as it is, short game is going to be a critical element in this tournament.”
So it’s all about Lefty, the No. 2 player in the world after you-know-who. Mickelson is trying to overcome a history of mediocre play in the British Isles. In 15 appearances, he has just one top 10, finishing fourth at Troon in 2004.
It’s a curious record for a player of Mickelson’s legendary creativity, a trait particularly suited to British links courses.
“I think that the best example that I see when I play links golf is the 18th at St. Andrews with the Valley of Sin,” said Mickelson.” I see a lot of guys play it a lot of different ways. And I think what links golf offers, is a lot of options. I think it’s that variety that makes links golf so exciting, the need for creativity, because there’s so many different ways to play the shot.”
