Phil Mickelson delivered a surprising and refreshing performance in the opening round of the 2025 Open Championship, carding a 1-under 70 at Royal Portrush—his best start at the event in nearly a decade. Now 54 years old, Mickelson arrived at The Open with low expectations after years of inconsistent play and no top-15 finish in a major since his 2021 PGA Championship victory. But on Thursday, he looked sharp, focused, and confident as he navigated the early morning conditions.
One of the pivotal moments of Mickelson’s round came on the par-3 3rd hole, where he pulled his tee shot into a pot bunker. Faced with a tight stance and little margin for error, he executed a brilliant sand shot that left him just a few feet from the hole, allowing him to save par and maintain momentum. That moment seemed to spark a renewed rhythm, as he went on to make several solid birdies, particularly on the front nine. While his driver occasionally flirted with trouble, Mickelson’s short game bailed him out—a classic hallmark of his game.
Playing in the day’s first group and benefiting from relatively calm weather, Mickelson took full advantage before winds and rain moved in later. As the afternoon wave faced tougher conditions, his position on the leaderboard held steady, earning quiet respect from the crowd and even his competitors. Despite his age and recent form, Mickelson reminded the golf world that experience and grit still count in a major championship.
After the round, Mickelson admitted he hadn’t been playing great golf this season, but said he felt “freer and more relaxed” this week. He credited his comfort with links-style play and years of Open experience for helping him stay patient and aggressive when it mattered most. Whether or not he remains in contention through the weekend remains to be seen, but for at least one day, Mickelson offered a glimpse of his old brilliance—and gave fans a reason to cheer for a familiar face making another run.
