TROON, Scotland (AP) – Phil Mickelson has picked right up where he left off in the opening round of the British Open. A day after he just missed becoming the first player in major championship history to shoot 62, Mickelson nearly aced the famous “Postage Stamp,” his ball rolling right up next to the cup at the 123-yard eighth hole for a tap-in birdie. Mickelson shot a 2-under 69 to stay out in front at rainy Royal Troon. He walked off the 18th green at 10 under and with a two-shot lead over Henrik Stenson, who had three holes left in his second round. After making the turn in 33, Mickelson led by five shots but the 46-year-old American bogeyed Nos. 12 and 15. On Thursday, Mickelson became the eighth player to open a major with a 63. Of that eight, he was only the third to break par in his next round.
