Phil Mickelson arrived for his Scottish Open defence smarting after he and long-time caddy Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay defeated Harrington and his long-standing caddy, Ronan Flood in a long awaited nine-hole showdown played earlier this week at the nearly Trump International Scotland course.

“It was a really big day for us, a player caddy match and it’s been years in the work with snap talk all the time between Padraig and Ronan, and me and Bones,” said Mickelson.

“So it came to a head Tuesday at Trump’s fabulous new course just up the road here from Royal Aberdeen.

“We tied the first hole and we’re adding both scores together but then at the second Bones hits a big lofted drive, and I’m thinking we’re screwed here.

“But then after that Bones starts really blinding them so much so we won the next four holes, and then we’re 4up through five holes and from thereon it was all over.

“We haven’t named our trophy yet.  It’s not the Claret Jug but this was a big win and I’m going to enjoy bragging rights over Padraig and Ronan for a long while to come, and until they can organise a re-match.”

However Harrington jokingly rebuffed Mickelson’s claims despite losing 2 & 1 to the Americans, and Flood playing off a six handicap and McKay three.

“They only won 2 & 1 and Phil couldn’t make for the second nine,” said Harrington laughing.

“Phil was afraid of losing so he quit, he quit.

“So let’s just Rohan and I would be happy for a rematch.”

And when asked if there was any money changing hands Harrington said:  “Let’s just say a nominal amount.”

While Mickelson and ‘Bones’ left after nine holes Harrington and Flood played the full 18 of the stunning Martin Hawtree designed course.