Open Championship 2016 Leaderboard: Thursday Scores, Results and Analysis

Phil Mickelson stole all the headlines during Thursday's play at the 145th Open Championship. The American tore through the course at Royal Troon to record an eight-under 63. 

Mickelson chased a major championship record score of 62 up until the final hole of his round, where his birdie putt lipped the hole and drifted inches wide to the right. 

Although he wasn't able to break the overall major record for a single round, Mickelson earned the course record at Royal Troon by three strokes, per the PGA Tour on Twitter. 

Mickelson takes a three-stroke advantage into Friday's second round over Patrick Reed and Martin Kaymer. Reed was the clubhouse leader for the majority of the round before Mickelson ripped through the course. 

Defending champion Zach Johnson is a part of the group four shots back of the leader. Americans Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, Steve Stricker, Billy Horschel and Tony Finau are also four shots behind Mickelson. 

Rory McIlroy carded a two-under 69 on Thursday, while Jordan Spieth shot an even par 71. U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson also carded a 71 during the first round. 

Friday's second round begins at 1:35 a.m. ET. The weather is expected to decline dramatically overnight in Scotland.