The Open 2017: How Phil Mickelson found ‘missing’ links and turned his game around

Strangely, it took him more than a little while to fully figure out the subtleties and nuances of seaside golf. Then it took him almost another decade to marry practice with theory. But, exactly four years ago, Phil Mickelson found the solution.

In successive weeks in 2013, the now 47-year-old Californian won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, then The Open at Muirfield.

“They were two of the most memorable events of my career,” Mickelson says now. “Winning both events is something I will always cherish. Walking up the 18th fairway at Muirfield, knowing I had the tournament in my grasp, was the greatest feeling. I could take advantage of the moment and not have to grind it out. I could really enjoy the walk.”

Prior to that point, however, Mickelson’s play in golf’s oldest and most important event - he made his debut in 1991 at Royal Birkdale and returns this week for his 24th appearance - was more akin to ill-advised “running” than relaxed strolling.

Too aggressive for his own good and hitting shots too hard, his performances displayed a basic lack of understanding of conditions that are, admittedly, completely foreign to a man brought up in the sunshine of San Diego.

No more, though. After starting to work on his short game with guru Dave Pelz back in 2003, Mickelson began to “get” links golf.

“I started controlling the distance I hit wedge shots by employing little or no spin,” he explains. “That carried over into the rest of my game. Previously, I had always struggled with that. I was fighting the conditions, not using them.

“In practice rounds, I go to 150 yards out and run balls in on the ground, just to see where they end up. I feel like I’m hitting little half-shots. I’m not making full, aggressive swings. From 100 yards it is easier to hit a little five iron than a full wedge. I play to spots on the ground and so don’t have to fight any wind. Realising that was a huge turning point for me.”

As for the left-hander’s prospects this week, it would take a brave man to rule out the possibility of Mickelson adding a sixth Major title to his already impressive CV.

The 11-times Ryder Cup player certainly isn’t dismissing the notion that a man far removed from the first flush of youth cannot at least contend in an Open.

Evidence suggests he is correct. “Elderly” guys win the oldest championship of them all. In the last 24 Majors, the five oldest winners - Henrik Stenson (40), Mickelson (43), Darren Clarke (43), Ernie Els (42) and Zach Johnson (39) - all were holding the Claret Jug. It could happen again.