With applause raining down from the grandstands overlooking the 18th green at the Scottish Open, Phil Mickelson doffed his cap to an adoring crowd and walked to the side of the putting surface to hug his wife and three children.
He was acting out a similar scene just 20 minutes later - this time having seized his second chance to secure a first victory in Europe in 20 years. Mickelson beat Branden Grace in a playoff Sunday after putting himself, his family and his growing legion of Scottish fans through a tense finale on a wild final day on the Castle Stuart links.
“Nobody likes a movie that is predictable,” said Mickelson, who appears to be as popular in the Highlands as he is back in California. “You always want to have a little bit of suspense.”
After overcoming a terrible start to his last round and wiping out a five-shot deficit to overnight leader Henrik Stenson, Mickelson only needed two putts for par on the 72nd hole to complete the perfect preparation for next week’s British Open at Muirfield.
From the fringe, 15 feet out, his putt raced past the hole and his return effort from five feet clipped the edge of the cup and stayed out. That meant a new duel with Grace, who shot a 69 like Mickelson in the final round to finish on 17-under 271.
Before heading back up the par-5 18th, lefty embraced his family, who had been waiting nearby hoping to celebrate with him. “I was just getting a little luck from them. And refocusing after making a mistake like that,” Mickelson said.
It was skill rather than luck that eventually decided things in his favor. With Grace landing his third shot in the playoff 25 feet away, Mickelson seized his chance by producing a pitch from 45 yards with a 64 degree wedge that span back to within a foot of the pin.
After days of links-style bump and runs, it was the kind of chip shot he produces week-in, week-out on the PGA Tour that sealed the win. After Mickelson tapped in, his South African opponent’s putt slid by and the celebrations could really begin for the Mickelson clan. “I almost let it slip away but to come out on top feels terrific,” said Mickelson, who will tee off at Muirfield next week as No. 5 in the world and 500,000 pounds ($740,000) richer.