- Open winner from 2013 finishes 12 over par after 36 holes
- ‘I thought I was ready. I obviously played terrible’
Phil Mickelson has conceded he is at a loss to explain his “terrible” performance at the Open Championship, although the former champion admitted he was having some “focus challenges” that contributed to him finishing 12 over par through 36 holes.
Despite becoming the oldest major winner of all time at the PGA Championship only two months ago, Mickelson started the second round at Royal St George’s in joint last place of the 156-strong field after shooting a 10-over-par 80 on Thursday; the 50-year-old’s worst ever opening round at the Open in 26 showings. Friday’s performance was a drastic improvement, although his two-over-par 72 still left him short of the projected cut.