I'VE BEEN WATCHING MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF for a long time, and the final-round duel at Royal Troon between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson was the best I've ever seen. Stenson prevailed, of course, shooting an 8-under 63 that included 10 birdies. Winner of the 145th Open Championship with a total of 20-under par, the Swede is a major winner at last.
Stenson knew he had a worthy opponent in Mickelson, and it made a difference in his approach.
"In a way it makes it easy when you're up against someone like Phil," Stenson told NBC's Mike Tirico.