Four-time Major winning Phil Mickelson muscled his way clear of a recent form slump with a blistering 64 on day two of the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.
It is Mickelson’s lowest score in 31 rounds of the Scottish Open and one less than a prior best of two 65s with the last being a 65 on day one of the 2007 event when he eventually lost a play-off to Frenchman Gregory Havret.
Mickelson holed his second shot for an eagle ‘two’ at his opening hole ahead of round also of six birdies including four in succession from his ninth hole.
Phil Mickelson mobbed by media after shooting a second round 64. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Mickelson’s eight under par tally, set in benign conditions along the Moray Firth shoreline in northern Scotland, left the visiting American trailing just five strokes behind Sweden’s Alex Noren, who carded a day two 66 to hold the clubhouse lead on 12-under par.
Mickelson’s round is lowest round in five months since recording a similar 64 on the final day in capturing the AT & T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and his 40th PGA Tour success.
And after receiving a late invitation to contest the premier Scottish Open, Mickelson is pleased he’s travelled to northern Scotland despite having to leave his family vacationing in Rome without him
“There was big difference today compared to my 73 yesterday as I just hit a lot better shots, struck it solidly and made a few more putts,” he said.
“I have only played three tournaments the last couple of months so I knew I just needed to play more, and I’m glad I added this tournament.
“It’s very helpful to see my game progress so quickly and I am very lucky as I have a very supportive family.
“In fact, when I was thinking about adding this tournament, after missing the cut last week, my wife Amy and I thought simultaneously of the same decision, so I am very lucky.”
Noren’s second straight 66 for a 12-under par tally included two opening birdies but then a third hole double bogey.
The Monte Carlo based Swede, who is chasing a third Tour victory, also recorded plus a further four birdies and a 16th hole eagle.
Noren celebrated his 30th birthday on Thursday and his girlfriend of two years, Emelie Lind’s gift to him was winning a Nordea Tour event, the Norwegian Challenge, on July 9th.
“Emelie gave me a nice birthday gift in winning a tournament on Monday, so that was a really nice present for the both of us,” he said.
“It’s also good to bounce back after last week’s effort in France as I just one off the lead going into Saturday but finished poorly to be two over on the weekend.”
